Brighton and Hove needs a Changing Rooms-style makeover, according to one of the stars of the hit TV show.

Oliver Heath, one of the designers on the BBC programme, added his voice to calls for a fresh vision for the city as one of a panel discussing the city's future at the Brighton and Hove City Forum.

He told the 100-strong audience at Brighton College: "There are many aspects to a city's development - education, technology, transport, industry, the arts and leisure.

"I am looking for individualism, artistic development and environmental concerns to be taken hold of.

"In urban planning terms, the city must embrace contemporary architecture."

The city should strive for more energy-efficient buildings and pursue schemes that address social issues and the housing problem.

Mr Heath, who is planning to move to Brighton, said: "We need somebody with an architectural vision who is really going to understand what the city is about."

The forum was organised by Douglas McKittrick, Archdeacon of Chichester, and Dr Anthony Seldon, headteacher of Brighton College and author of Brave New City.

It was attended by representatives from business, the council and community groups, who listened to speakers from the world of art, design, architecture and business.

Sheena Bucktowonsing, a sixth-form pupil at Brighton College, said: "I see this as a city where young people want to come to, not only for the clubs and nightlife but for the opportunity to follow their dreams."

Hannah Smith, a partner in Start Contemporary Gallery and business manager of the Enterprise Agency, put the case for a large art studio, saying: "If we value the contribution artists make to the city, we should give them reason to stay."

Mark Woolley, of SAKS hair salons, and Andrew Seel, a founding partner of creative consultancy Getfrank, welcomed the quirkiness of the city but said its shopping centres needed to be more inspiring.