MORECAMBE'S landmark Midland Hotel will definitely get the touch of class it needs - thanks to a £4 million cash injection confirmed today (Thursday).

Work to restore the grade two-listed building can now begin in earnest after developer Urban Splash won the money pledge from the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

After years of neglect and doubt about the future of Morecambe's art deco jewel, residents will finally see the blueprint for a 46-bedroom hotel with a public bar, restaurant, bathhouse and outdoor hot tub become a reality.

It is hoped that a renovated Midland Hotel will spur on the regeneration of the resort and Bill Maynard, director of development at Urban Splash, said today: "It is our intention to work with Lancaster City Council to upgrade the whole of the central promenade site and make a major contri-bution to the regeneration of Morecambe."

The regeneration is expected to attract a huge number of visitors to the area, and it is estimated that the renovated hotel will boost local economy by £1.2 million a year.

Geraldine Smith, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale is sure the restoration of the hotel will be a 'catalyst' for regeneration of the resort.

And Helen France, NWDA executive director of development and partnerships, agrees.

She says: "The Midland Hotel is a unique asset and the restoration of this landmark building will be a huge step in the renaissance of Morecambe.

"This development will be crucial to lifting perceptions of More-cambe, not only as a visitor destination, but also as a quality environ-ment in which to live and work.

"We have an excellent track record in leading and supporting heritage led regeneration, and restoration of this wonderful building offers a real chance to secure its long-term future and create lasting benefits."