A huge seafront site left empty for a decade after plans for a superclub collapsed is set to finally be brought into use.

Proposals are being put together to revamp The Terraces, above the Sea Life Centre, in Madeira Drive, Brighton, starting with a restaurant and hotel.

The 50,000 sq ft complex, in a prime seafront spot, was redeveloped by Compco in 2000 but many of its units have never been filled.

They include a space on the ground floor and basement where nightclub giant Cream had once planned to open a 1,750 person nightspot.

One of the businesses that did move in, an arcade, has recently closed, leaving only Terraces restaurant, a Harvester and Burger King.

New plans for a revamp are being put together by Brighton Seafront Regeneration Ltd, headed by architect David Kohn, following an extensive consultation with residents in the area.

They have proposed keeping the development within the existing buildings and making use of its original 1920s features.

The firm has now submitted a planning application for a flagship restaurant in unit five of the building, on the lower terrace.

Mr Kohn said: "The Aquarium Terraces on Madeira Drive is an extraordinary site that has been derelict for too long.

"We are adopting a light touch approach, adjusting the existing structures to make the most of the abundant light, air and views.

"The new restaurant will hopefully mark a return to pleasurable use of this beautiful stretch of Brighton seafront."

Full details of the plans have yet to be published but a spokesman said the "dull facade" would be overhauled and additional windows would be added to the side to improve lighting.