A seafront art deco architectural icon is to get a radical neighbour.

Three shortlisted international designers have submitted plans to transform Bexhill into a fashionable tourist magnet.

The development would sit next to the Grade I-listed De La Warr Pavilion.

Designers had a key brief - put forward plans for a high-quality mixed-use development comprising a 60-bed hotel, office space, apartments and ground-level shops.

John Shaw, director of Sea Space, Hastings and Bexhill Renaissance, said: "The right development, combined with plans to rejuvenate the town centre as a whole, will make a real impact in bringing new life and prosperity to Bexhill."

What has been submitted are three schemes that community leaders are feting as the key to reinvigorating Bexhill, a town which, like its neighbour Hastings, has struggled for years.

However, both towns are undergoing multi-million pound investment, creating a fresh wave of optimism which, supporters hope, will haul them above 28th place in the UK's deprivation index.

The plans for Bexhill should create 500 jobs during five years, attract business, enterprise and tourists and give young people a reason to stay.

It is considered the single most important competition since Earl De La Warr initiated the contest to design the pavilion in the Twenties.

The three teams competing are van Heyningen and Haward with Chapman Taylor, ABK Architects and Aukett, all of whom have designs worldwide.

ABK's design features two interlocking curves which accommodate the slope-roofed hotel in a grand arc facing the sea. They propose a 300-space car park underneath the pavilion for use by the venue and the hotel, offices and flats.

Van Heyningen and Haward, with Chapman Taylor, have put forward plans for a slim-form single building housing a hotel, flats, offices and health club.

Finally, Aukett proposes a pod-like building flanked on one side by a 60-bedroom hotel facing out to sea with a shopping, office and residential block on the other side.

The seafront scheme is the first element of a masterplan to regenerate development throughout Bexhill.

Almost 2,000 people have attended exhibitions of the three designs. The chosen one will be built on the putting green next to the pavilion - the old Metropole Hotel site.

The winning scheme will be chosen next month and the designer given six months to finalise their plans. Initial building work could start at the end of next year, with completion in up to five years. Rother District Council leader Graham Gubby said: "We wish to retain and build upon the very best of our heritage, enhance the unique reputation of Bexhill and plan for its long-term social and economic prosperity."

Friday April 02, 2004