Carole Armstrong says the 30-storey hotel, which would have 300 bedrooms and a helipad, as well as a retail, leisure and office development, would be a “fantastic opportunity” for Workington.
While Len Davies, Mayor of Allerdale, says the plan would be a “brilliant boost” for the local economy.
If approved, the hotel and leisure complex would be built at St Helens Business Park, opposite Dunmail Park and would create about 830 jobs.
Ms Armstrong said: “I think it is a fantastic opportunity for Workington.
“It could have a glass roof and a coffee bar with amazing views over the sea and the helipad could be used for flights over to Scotland.”
J Dixon and Son, which runs Dunmail Park and owns the land at St Helens Business Park, has applied to Allerdale Council for planning permission. If permission is granted then the development would be built over three to four years.
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Ms Armstrong said: “Thirty storeys sounds quite high and it’s probably a bit out of Workington’s league, but you’ve got to think of the bigger picture.
“It would give the people of Workington something to look forward to.”
Developers say the hotel would be used by tourists visiting west Cumbria and Sellafield workers.
Len Davies Mr Davies said: “If it produces 830 jobs then that is just what we need. It could create apprenticeships for the construction industry and give young people skills.
“Jobs are desperately needed in west Cumbria. We need something for the youngsters to do. Local building suppliers could also benefit and in turn they might have to take on more staff.
“It seems quite high but there again we have wind turbines along the coast that are high too.”
There are also proposals to create 760 car parking spaces and room for cyclists to leave bikes.
Donald Dixon, managing director of J Dixon and Son, said: “Workington needs jobs and facilities that will be able to compete with other places and attract people to work in the area.”
If given the go-ahead, it would be two storeys higher than the UK’s current tallest hotel, the London Hilton on Park Lane.
Plans have been submitted to Allerdale council and the consultation period ends on April 11.
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