More than 1,000 jobs will be created if ambitious new plans for the old Preston Barracks site in Brighton are approved.

Brighton and Hove City Council is being asked to back a masterplan for Preston Barracks off Lewes Road.

The final draft proposals for the site have been drawn up, unveiling a scheme which could provide 1,100 jobs and lead to the building of 260 new homes - 110, low cost properties.

There will also be a doctors' surgery, health and fitness centre, a creche, a shop, two cafe bars and an adaptable community centre.

If the plan is agreed by councillors, officials will work with the regional development agency Seeda and the Brighton and Hove Regeneration Partnership to produce a development brief.

After that, private sector firms will be invited to bid for the site and one will be chosen to produce a planning application.

The barracks was bought a year ago by the council with the help of its partners and consultants were then asked to produce the masterplan.

Scott Marshall, the council's head of economic development, said: "The barracks represents an outstanding opportunity to deliver a strong regeneration catalyst for the area."

He said it was one of only a handful of major sites available in the city for regeneration.

The masterplan says: "Our aim is that Preston Barracks forms a strong and memorable gateway to Brighton and Hove with striking contemporary architecture and high quality public spaces setting the stage for a vibrant development that successfully focuses on employment while balancing community, residential, research, commerce and training uses."

It says buildings should be up to seven storeys high. They could include offices, research and training facilities, workshops and business units.

There would be hundreds of parking spaces and a direct link to Moulsecoomb station through the Brighton University campus.

Other features envisaged include a main square, landscaping, a children's play area and improvements to Lewes Road.

There would be new walking and cycling routes linking the development with other areas.

The masterplan goes before the culture and regeneration committee on Thursday and the policy committee on March 26.

Friday March 14 2003