Plans for a dramatic multi-million pound redevelopment of part of Hastings go on show from today.

A fish restaurant and tourist information office are among the proposals for the Stade at Hastings Old Town.

But the centrepiece of the plans is a controversial futuristic-looking building which critics have condemned as looking like a Star Wars prop.

The designs have been drawn up by experts, including renowned architect Kathryn Findlay, who has designed eye-catching buildings around the world.

Councillor Mike Bigg, Cabinet member responsible for regeneration and tourism, said: "Tourism is vitally important to Hastings and this development is very important to the Old Town.

"We need to continue to invest in the area, to ensure the Stade continues to attract residents and visitors.

"We think the plans being developed are wonderful and will bring real improvements to the area.

"But it's not just what we think, this council is committed to consultation and we want to hear the views of everyone.

"Nothing is definite yet, the plans being shown are our designers' initial thoughts and ideas.

"The whole point of the exhibition, and of the public meeting, is to hear what the community thinks."

An exhibition of the plans opens today at the Fishermen's Museum in Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings, from 10am until 8pm.

The plans are then on display tomorrow, Sunday and Monday from 10am to 5pm.

Members of the design team and borough council officials will be on hand during the exhibition.

On Tuesday, a public meeting will take place at St Mary-in-the-Castle on the seafront, from 7pm, where people will be able to exchange their views.