Four eye-popping skyscrapers are almost certain to rise from the Sussex seafront after being given the backing of a powerful focus group.

Developers Karis and ING are the favourites to go ahead with the multi-million pound seafront leisure redevelopment.

The King Alfred Project Board selected Guggenheim Museum architect Frank Gehry's futuristic vision for the run-down site in Kingsway, Hove, at a private meeting.

The final decision will be made in private by Brighton and Hove City Council's policy committee on Thursday.

The Karis scheme and its rival, a series of blocks planned by the Barratt/Brunswick consortium, include 400 homes to help finance a new sports centre.

The Karis/ING scheme has been designed by international architect Gehry with Piers Gough, top sports architects and Angel of the North sculptor Antony Gormley.

Towering above the leisure centre, four fantasy blocks rising to 38 storeys would be the tallest buildings in the city.

Karis boss Josh Arghiros said: "We are delighted but it is only the first stage. We know the crucial decision will be made on Thursday."

Andrew Goodall, from Brunswick/Barratt said: "It was good to be part of the competition. We are disappointed but good luck to the council and its team."

The project board is a mixture of officers and councillors from all four parties.

A report says the Karis/ING scheme was more likely to benefit the local economy than its rival.

It proposes four distinctive towers, the summits of which have been likened to crushed tin cans, containing 438 flats, including 175 low-cost homes.

The scheme would fund a new public sports centre valued at £26m.

An economic analysis showed the Karis/ING scheme would inject most money into the local economy - £25m to £32m a year, compared to Barratt/Brunswick's £15m to £21m.

The scheme's likely pulling power as a tourist attraction was the key factor.

Public facilities were judged to be better in the Karis scheme.

They include winter gardens, with a sculpture by Gormley and a high-level public viewing platform with a restaurant.

Deputy council leader Sue John said: "Most cities in the world would jump at this opportunity. It has taken two years of hard work to get to this stage.

"I hope councillors vote to back first-class sports facilities and much-needed housing on the site.

"Both were very good bids but we've been extra-impressed with the Karis team. They're very professional, enthusiastic and proactive.

"The development itself offers a fantastic sports centre, much-needed homes, a better financial deal for taxpayers and a boost for the economy.

The council stresses the Karis/ING scheme is not finalised.

If chosen, there will be at least six months of negotiations between the authority and developers to agree details before a planning application.