Fourteen bidders are vying to take on the controversial contract to rebuild an ageing seafront leisure centre.

They have responded to advertisements placed by Brighton and Hove City Council for the King Alfred in Kingsway.

The policy committee is expected to choose a developer in the spring of 2003.

Selection will be based on quality of design, financial offers and public responses to proposals.

The shortlist will be drawn up this month, with four applicants invited to submit full design and finance proposals.

An interview panel is then likely to include Labour councillor Mike Middleton, who has been leading the project for the council, plus one Labour colleague and a Conservative councillor.

The sports centre must include three pools, eight badminton courts, a six-rink bowls room, a gym, cafe and creche.

In July, councillors voted to press ahead with the scheme for a new sports centre funded by up to 400 flats, 40 per cent of them affordable homes leased to key workers and people on the council waiting list.

Coun Middleton said: "We will ask shortlisted applicants to come forward with detailed designs for a public exhibition early next year.

"Local people's views will inform our decision about which one to choose."

The council is not naming applicants at this stage but says they include many well-known names in property development and architecture.

A report due to go before the council's policy committee on Wednesday recommends the area should no longer be earmarked solely for leisure and tourism but also for homes, restaurants, limited shopping and possibly a small cinema.