Tall buildings could be included in plans to replace the ageing Brighton Centre and enhance the areas around it.

Brighton and Hove City Council has started the process by agreeing to seek commercial partners for redeveloping the centre, which was opened in 1977.

Councillors have also approved planning guidelines for the project.

They want to see a landmark building which would keep the city in the top flight for conferences, while any proposals should include ways of enhancing the surrounding area.

The 12.6 hectare area extends north to Churchill Square. It includes the Kingswest, The Grand hotel and the Hilton Brighton Metropole.

The report to councillors says the environment of Cannon Place could be improved and the street made more lively.

Redevelopment of the Kingwest centre is recommended, although the council does not own it.

Tall buildings could be considered as long as they did not obscure views of the listed buildings in the area and it might be possible to link Churchill Square to the seafront.

The report says a new convention centre could be partly funded by allowing new hotel buildings, leisure, shops and homes in the area.

Any housing scheme would need to meet council policies requiring a proportion of affordable homes.

Officers have been studying other European convention centres and say the new building should be a landmark design with world-class amenities.

It should include as a minimum a large meeting hall, exhibition space, catering and banqueting areas, breakout meeting rooms and pre-function areas.

Simon Burgess, who chairs the Brighton Centre project board, said: "A key consideration will be to deliver a scheme which has the maximum economic benefits.

"The Brighton Centre generates about £50 million for the city, not the council. We want the new convention centre to develop that conference business further and a scheme which really enhances the wider area and the seafront."

Friday July 30, 2004