Burj Al Arab inspires $54 million UK project

Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab has reportedly inspired the design of a new tower on England's south coast. 

A “Dubai-style tower” is being planned in the south coast city of Plymouth at a cost of just under $54 million (AED193 million), reports sister title Arabian Business. 

The 11-storey Meridian waterfront development has taken its inspiration from the look of a ship’s sails – much like the Dubai landmark – according to the Plymouth Herald.

It will be supported by a series of curved steel “ribs”, creating a sail-like shape that has resulted in it being “likened to the famous Burj Al-Arab hotel in Dubai”, reported the website of the UK newspaper.

No start date was given for the project, which will feature 64 luxury apartments as part of a complex including two other contemporary apartment buildings comprising 78 other apartments. It was designed by Burke Rickhards Architects and is being developed by UK firm Linden Homes.

"Architecturally, the development is going to be very striking and will really fulfil the potential of this prestigious waterfront location – it will definitely have the wow factor,” said Nigel Palmer, managing director for Linden Homes.