A seafront palace of wood and glass could house an Olympic skating arena in Brighton and Hove.

The city council must choose between the green-topped complex and Sir Rocco Forte's scheme for a spa hotel when it decides the future of the derelict Black Rock site next month.

The British Olympic Association has thrown its weight behind the complex, saying it could bring various sporting events to the city if London's bid for the 2012 games is successful.

The arena would seat 8,000 people and could be converted into an 11,000-capacity hall for pop concerts.

A second, smaller ice rink would be for public use.

The developers have proposed two possibilities for housing.

One is for 64 flats below the level of the cliff.

The second would be for a striking tower block, containing more homes. Both would meet the council's requirement for 40 per cent of homes to be "affordable."

Olympic stars have lent their voices to the £48.5 million-scheme, which was being unveiled today.

Jayne Torville and Robin Cousins have agreed to set up a skating academy to train future ice heroes at the venue, which would be named Brighton International Arena.

Celebrity chef Anthony Worrall Thompson, who went to school in Brighton, has expressed an interest in running its restaurant and electronics giant Sony is among those offering financial backing.

Brighton International Arena managing director David Pople said: "The news about the Olympics is exciting.

"The project is just what Brighton wants and we have improved the design following feedback on a previous scheme."

The main arena has been designed in nautical style but from the Regency terraces above only the masts would show.

It would also have a green roof, planted with species able to survive the strong salt-laden winds.

International lighting expert Theo Kondos would illuminate the arena by night and provide a "night garden".

The complex would be expected to attract up to 1.5 million visitors a year, of which 300,000 would use the public skating rink.

Sir Rocco's rival proposal for the spot, which has been derelict for 25 years, is for a luxury spa complex with a winter garden modelled on the shape of a ship's hull.

He has joined forces with the RH Partnership for the vision, which he has called "simply the finest hotel in Brighton."

Councillors will make their decision between the two schemes next month, following a presentation to members on Thursday.

Council leader Ken Bodfish said: "This is such an important opportunity we want to make sure we get it right."

Friday September 19, 2003