Arena will be great for Liverpool. Thailand trip.
Drove along the Strand last night on way to Everyman Youth Theatre where Harry was doing a class.
Passed the new Malmaison Hotel, ruing the fact that I missed the lavish party they threw on Friday night for their opening. Champagne all the way, apparently and a fitting launch for a hotel chain that tries to doing things differently.
Then past the Albert Dock, illuminated, stylish, a spectacular example of how to preserve the character of a building whilst changing its use.
And then, just behind, the new Liverpool Arena and Conference Centre came into view. Lit up and now fully formed it looks simply sensational.
It will be a massive boost to Liverpool. It is easy to think of it as a venue for hosting the top acts, many of whom never appear in Liverpool because there is nowhere big enough to host the crowds.
But that is only part of it. The Conference Centre, already reeling in the advance bookings, will bring delegates from all over the world to Liverpool. When they aren't conferencing they'll spend in the shops, bars and restaurants. The boost to Liverpool's economy is obvious and massive.
There are many successful large conference venues around the country and it is a very competitive market. But already, the operators are realising the value of that intangible 'Liverpool factor' when it comes to securing bookings.
Ally that to the most spectacular of waterfront locations and the appeal is enormous. I can';'t wait until it opens next year.
Yesterday was deadline day for deciding whether Lynne would go to Thailand. She had three good days in a row, so providing she maintains the same level of well-ness for the rest of the week, she's going.
Had a fantastic blog posting from Chris Brereton who tells me I'll be 'blown away' by Ko Samui's beauty and tranquility. Equally, had a car park conversation with my boss, Sara Wilde, who's been and says it's terrific (Ko Samui, not the car park). Really encouraged by that.
I need a holiday and I'm so glad Lynne's coming too. If anyone deserves a break it's her.
