Three consortia have proposed multi-million-pound leisure plans for the seafront Black Rock site in Brighton.

Brighton and Hove City Council has short-listed the trio to come up with schemes for the former open-air swimming pool.

RH Partnerships is proposing a development comprising a spa, hotel, conference space and winter gardens.

Brighton International Arena suggests two ice rinks. One would be for use by the public and the other would be an arena suitable for staging ice hockey, major sporting events and concerts.

The Coot Consortium offers an arena which could stage skating and shows, plus a 180-room hotel and watersports activities. This could include indoor surfing on a standing wave machine.

Each group must now prepare materials for public consultation and a touring exhibition late next month or in early February.

The council stresses any scheme must be financially self-supporting.

Deputy council leader Jackie Lythell said: "This is an exciting opportunity to develop a prime site and create a bridge between East Brighton and the rest of the city.

"It's important the winning scheme takes account of the location and issues such as transport and the environment.

"Proposing a popular development is easy. Proposing one that is financially and environmentally sustainable is much more of a challenge."

An advisory consultation panel has been set up for the scheme. It includes residents' and amenity groups, council representatives, businesses and professional bodies to look at heritage and conservation issues.

This group will also be consulted on proposals to improve Madeira Drive.

All applicants are required to follow a development brief prepared for the site in 2001.

This features leisure ideas proposed by residents.

They included a hotel, multi-purpose or special event space, an activity centre, extending children's activities on to the Kemp Town slopes, or a combination of them.

The Art Deco swimming pool closed more than 20 years ago.