The seaside Victorian town of Southport is certainly not known for its towering skyline.
For imposing constructions you need to take a quick glance across the sea to where the Blackpool Tower and the ‘Big One’ rollercoaster loom on the opposite horizon.
But that could all be set to change if the Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group is given the green light to build a monster 48-storey skyscraper in the town.
The Tower of Hope, which would be 178 metres tall - containing more than 140 apartments, a restaurant, hotel, bar, spa and its own car park - would be one of the tallest buildings in the UK outside London.
The brainchild of chairman Andrew Mikhail, the idea came to him during the COVID-19 lockdown, when he spent four months in intensive care with the virus
“Hope and sheer determination got me through and has given me a second chance at life, for which I am sincerely grateful,” Mikhail said.
“The Tower of Hope will be built as a symbol for every single member of the NHS that helped the country stay on its feet.”
The skyscraper would form part of the redevelopment of the Grade II-listed Grand Casino on Lord Street, which is already in the hands of the hotel group.
More plans about the project will be released at a future event at the Bold Hotel.
So, how does the Tower of Hope compare to other iconic Merseyside buildings?
1. Marine Way Bridge
We have to start in Southport, where the bridge over the lake is one of the tallest constructions in the area but stands at just 46 metres tall - 132 metres shorter than the Tower of Hope.
2. Anfield Main Stand
The new Anfield stand certainly imposes itself upon the surrounding buildings, yet reaches just 54 metres tall.
3. The Royal Liver Building
Arguably the most famous building in Merseyside. However, it is only 98.2 metres to the top of its Liver Bird topped spires.
4. Liverpool Cathedral
It ranks as the fifth-largest cathedral in the world in terms of overall volume and reaches 101 meters tall.