plans for a £450 million redevelopment of Brighton seafront and the creation of 2,000 jobs could be nearing a step closer.

For years, Brighton and Hove City Council has been pondering whether to demolish the Brighton Centre and Kingswest complex with the view to expand Churchill Square shopping centre down to King’s Road.

A major new conference and events venue that could seat up to 10,000 people – double the capacity of the Brighton Centre – would be built at Black Rock, next to the marina.

It is estimated the project would create up to 2,000 jobs and boost city coffers by £150 million each year.

In 2011, The Argus reported that council bosses admitted the major redevelopment was unlikely to happen before 2021.

But a report into the plans will be delivered to council chiefs at a special policy and resources committee meeting on December 16, suggesting momentum for the redevelopment is building.

The council will work with asset managers Standard Life Investments on the project.

Geoff Raw, executive director of Brighton and Hove City Council, said plans were at an “early stage”.

He added: “If delivered, the new venue would attract a wider range of entertainment and conference events to the city, attracting more visitors and delivering greater economic benefit than the existing Brighton Centre.

“No decisions have yet been taken and no decision will be taken until the council is satisfied it is to the city’s benefit.”

Gavin Stewart, of Brilliant Brighton, said the plans looked to help maintain the city’s position as a “premier regional destination” on the South Coast.

He said: “Add the 25% of affordable housing plus the increased business rates for the council coffers and it makes clear economic sense to engage partners to deliver a scheme of this size.”

Brighton music promoter Anna Moulson said a larger new music and conference venue at Black Rock would further cement Brighton’s reputation as a mecca for music.

She said: “It would put Brighton on the touring map in a different way. It would be up there with Glasgow and Manchester. At the moment the city misses out on shows and bands because they play two nights in London and people tend to travel up there.

“My only concern would be how the city accommodates an influx of people to the new centre because roads and trains are already struggling.”

A Standard Life Investments spokesman said: “We are working with Brighton and Hove City Council to explore the opportunity for a significant investment in the city that would deliver a new multi-use venue and the expansion of Churchill Square shopping centre. We are at the early stages of discussions and no decisions have yet been taken.”