Developers are putting the finishing touches to a multi-million-pound seafront regeneration plan.

Consultants EDAW will next week reveal the details of a document which could result in the transformation of Worthing over the next 15 to 20 years.

It calls for a 40,000 sqft replacement for the much-maligned Guildbourne Centre indoor shopping precinct.

The Argus got an exclusive preview of the draft report which stated: "This is an exciting stage in the evolution of Worthing - a time of significant opportunity for the town.

"Worthing has many strengths and offers a range of opportunities.

"But there seems to be a widely held view that Worthing has lost its way and is no longer sure what it is now or what it would like to be.

"As such, the town needs to reinvent itself to meet the aspirations of its residents and the needs of a changing visitor market."

The report said the quality of the seafront, range of shops, tourist attractions and facilities for visitors was below the standard Worthing deserved and should strive for.

It described the look and design of the Guildbourne Centre shopping precinct as "very poor" and highlighted a lack of entertainment for children on the seafront.

EDAW believed it was vital to retain the town's old-fashioned charm and avoid competing with Brighton.

The masterplan's foundations include the creation of a cultural and civic centre behind the town hall, bordered by Richmond Road and Stoke Abbott Road.

New facilities would include a theatre, concert venue with enough seating to attract top stars, and conference facilities.

The Guildbourne Centre could be replaced with a modern shopping mall stretching north to Union Place, and including the old police station and neighbouring surface car park sites.

The Lido would be refurbished and a watersports and leisure activity area, with sandpits and volleyball courts, established to the east of Splash Point, where a marina might also be constructed.

EDAW also envisages removing the beach chalets and overhead walkway which blocks the view of Beach House grounds from the promenade path, moving the Aquarena paddling pool, building a themed adventure playground, pedestrianising Montague Place, and creating a fishermen's quarter.

It would like the bus station next to the seafront Dome cinema moved, possibly to the vicinity of the central railway station, which would become a transport hub around a plaza.

Consultants believe the redevelopment of Teville Gate and the seafront Grafton site could act as catalysts for the renaissance of the town.

The public will get its first view of the report at the Guildbourne Centre on June 24, from 10am to 4pm, followed by a three-month consultation period.