It could do for Brighton what the opera house did for Sydney - but will it ever be more than a dream?

Because the sleek, curving, modern lines of this futuristic pier are sure to create waves in a city with some of the finest Regency architecture in the world.

The floating structure is one London-based architectural firm's vision of what a rebuilt West Pier could look like - if it could get past the watchful eye of city conservationists.

For the design is a massive contrast to the 137-year-old pier, constructed by master builder Eugenius Birch, which owners are determined to restore despite the recent arson attacks.

AROS of London says its 750-metre structure, complete with cable car, would be a world-class attraction to provide Brighton with its very own (vertical) London Eye.

Unveiled to the nation at the weekend in a Sunday newspaper's special supplement on Brighton, the concept is a floating pier, tethered to the sea bed but responding to the changing tide, with spaces opening and closing as the tide rises and falls.

It would be constructed of undulating strips which could be walked over and under, forming a promenade above, on and below the surface of the sea.

The pier could offer commercial space, leisure facilities, a water-taxi transport station, skate-board ramps, a windsurfing jetty, a man-made surfing beach and even impromptu space for buskers.

At its end would be a 60-metre high viewing tower.

Its designers say the folding architecture could be structurally supported from above with a suspension cable system anchored to the viewing tower.

A cable car would run the length of the pier.

AROS architect Nick Readett-Bayley, who designed the structure, said it would provide real estate along its length, rather than necessitating an ungainly onshore enabling development.

He said: "We are very keen to progress these ideas. We are generating it as a 'what if' project but this is an incredible opportunity. We are currently developing structural concepts with engineers to take it forward and are looking for seed capital from any developer who wishes to take these concepts further."

He said Brighton and Hove should be showcasing architecture for the future instead of reinstating what was there before.

He added: "We are very keen to see Brighton appear as a European status city.

"Look at what the Millennium Wheel has done for the South Bank in London. I see no reason why Brighton should not have a pier with world-class impact."

For something so radically different to the ornate 19th century pier it aspires to replace, the floating pier has won a surprising number of friends.

One supporter is Roger Marlowe, chairman of the city's hotel association.

He said: "We should have something stunning that looks forward, not backwards to replacing something old. This is a great opportunity for a 21st century pier that makes a modern statement.

"We have inherited some great architecture and I think we should bequeath to our successors some more great architecture.

"It would draw in the tourists but would also be an exotic jewel in Brighton's crown."

Local historian and author Anthony Seldon, who supported the West Pier's restoration until it was blighted by fire, now favours a futuristic pier that is ecologically sustainable, such as that envisaged by AROS.

But conservation champion Selma Montford is not losing too much sleep about the proposal.

She said: "I don't think it's realistic because the lottery grant is for a replica building of the existing pier, so the funding would not be available for something like this.

"But if we're not going to have a restoration or even a very good replica, why do we need another pier at all?"

A close inspection reveals AROS has positioned its pier on the site of the Palace Pier.

Some thought the London firm had made a mistake, but they say it is deliberate.

Mr Readett-Bayley said: "This is an approach to a new pier and we are purposefully being vague about where it is. If you look at the background it's not actually Brighton."