A controversial £100 million regeneration of the gateway to Worthing last night received a lukewarm response from people who live nearby.

Developers want to build housing and leisure facilities on the former site of Teville Gate shopping centre near the town's main railway station.

In addition to 250 flats in a "landmark" 15-storey curved glass tower and 600 car spaces, they are planning a eight to ten-screen cinema, 24-lane indoor ten-pin bowling centre, 750-seat bingo hall, shops, cafes, restaurants and an eight-lane 25m swimming pool to replace the seafront Aquarena complex.

But residents attending a presentation by developers Hanson Capital Management at Worthing town hall ranged from cautious to scathing.

Most supported the provision of leisure facilities but questioned whether the building had the necessary "wow" factor for such a prominent site on the edge of the town centre.

Caryl Blumenthal, of the Central Ward Residents' Association, said: "I think the building is absolutely massive. It looks huge on the skyline.

"I like what's in the building but don't actually like the building. It's going to stick out like the Grafton car park on the seafront and we have to learn from our past mistakes."

Association colleague Frank Howard said: "It's another Prince Charles carbuncle."

Ann Robbins, also of the CWRA, feared traffic and parking chaos, adding: "The development is far too large. Let's have something more in keeping with the town."

Brian Tompsett, of King Edward Avenue, said: "There aren't enough car parking spaces for the number of people they are trying to attract to the site."

Dan Thompson, of Chancton View Road, said: "I don't think it is anything special. It doesn't have that wow factor."

John Desmond, director of Hanson, said: "We are very excited about the scheme and we hope people will share our excitement and enthusiasm.

"We believe it will regenerate this part of town. It is a gateway site which has suffered over the years and became a blot on the landscape."

After a period of public consultation which ends on November 18, a planning application would be submitted at the end of the month.

If councillors backed the scheme, work could start in 2007 and take two years to complete.

Coun Paul High, executive member for leisure and cultural services on the borough council, said: "I am happy with the number of car parking spaces.

"I think the design we see today is not necessarily the final design. There could be some improvements on the design aspect.

"The major plus factor for Worthing is getting a modern swimming pool to replace the Aquarena, and a cinema.

"In my opinion, it is in the ideal position for people to use public transport or walk."

Coun John Lovell, representing the Liberal Democrat opposition on the council, said: "It has got something about it but it is not going to be everybody's cup of tea."

People can view the scheme at the town hall until November 11.