A major revamp of one of the city's most famous buildings will boost spending and create jobs, according to new figures.

Bosses at the Royal Pavilion Estate in Brighton say the extra visitors attracted by planned improvements will add £6 million a year to the coffers of businesses in the city.

Project leaders at the iconic buildings believe the masterplan will create 116 new jobs and 60 new apprenticeships in tourism related business.

They have asked the Heritage Lottery Fund for around £14 million towards a planned £35 million makeover of the gardens and buildings at the former palace of George IV.

The Heritage Lottery Fund is expected to make a decision by May next year.

The Arts Council has ring-fenced £5.8 million towards the upgrade project and managers at the Royal Pavilion Estate are planning a fund raising campaign.

Details of the masterplan were revealed in The Argus last year.

When the work begins it is expected to involve 277 construction jobs and 44 construction apprentices.

The Royal Pavilion Estate's economic impact to the city is currently around £62 million per year and the Pavilion Estate and Dome complex employs more than 370 people.

The plans have provoked controversy over the future of the Pavilion Gardens cafe.

The Sewell family has operated a cafe in the gardens since 1941.

Mr Comben said the Royal Pavilion and Dome management were talking to the family about moving the cafe to a new site within the grounds, but boss at the cafe David Sewell insists it cannot be moved.

Andrew Comben, CEO, Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival, said the project would see visitors to the Pavilion and Brighton Museum and Art Gallery rise by 20% to 1.59 million people a year.

He said: “The project will make the estate financially sustainable for the long-term and give a significant boost to Brighton and Hove's economic, tourism and cultural aspirations.

“As we know, Brighton and Hove's creative industries translate directly into employment and prosperity for our whole city.

“Our plan for the Royal Pavilion Estate builds on that contribution in a very compelling way and we look forward to securing its future.”

Janita Bagshawe, head of museums and Royal Pavilion said: “The master plan project is about the development of this world class heritage site and ensuring it has long term financial resilience which sustains it for the city.”