A £100m structure which would tower over Portslade has been hailed as a new city gateway helping to create jobs and homes.

But what do the people whose homes would lie in its shadow think?

The 400ft block would dwarf Sussex Heights, presently the tallest building in Brighton and Hove.

The 38-storey building, designed by City Gateway Developments, would also be bigger than the Four Maidens planned for the King Alfred site in Hove.

It would include 200 low-cost homes, a health and fitness club, showrooms, restaurants and a dance centre.

The site forms part of an industrial estate bordering the A259. People who live nearby are being given the chance to have their say via a new web site, www.city-gateway.com

Hove and Portslade MP Ivor Caplin said: "This is an excellent regeneration scheme for a brownfield site, bringing much-needed homes, business and leisure space together.

"I am sure it will be popular with locals in Portslade and create a real gateway to the city."

Architect Peter Southgate, of Brighton-based PS Architects, said: "The scheme is designed as a catalyst for Brighton and Hove to become a true city and be both the literal and metaphorical gateway.

"Any new city needs a dynamic and upwardly moving commercial and residential community to be consistent with its aims and aspirations.

"The architectural concept for City Gateway responds to this dynamic with a contemporary landmark design."

Whether it will win over residents remains to be seen.

Friday April 02, 2004