Leaders of a consortium that came second in a contest to build a library say the battle is not yet over.

Last year, Brighton and Hove Council announced the Norwich Union Public Private Partnership was the preferred bidder for the multi-million pound library project that also includes housing, a hotel, shops and a civic square.

However, the Jubilee Group, which was chosen as the reserve bidder, has worked up its proposals further in case councillors change their minds.

Professor Stephen Adutt, of the RH Partnership Architects in Bond Street, Brighton, said: "Neither contestant has yet received formal feedback.

"Each consortium produced designs that were liked by the council and the public but Norwich Union's bid was the cheapest.

"The council must now check the validity of the bid, including questions about whether planning permissions can be given and whether the initial brief, including social housing will be met."

Prof Adutt said if for any reason these matters could not be resolved, the Jubilee Gartners, as reserve bidders, would return to the scheme.

The bids are being considered under the Government's Private Finance Initiative and about 50 groups originally expressed an interest in the site in Jubilee Street, Brighton.

Prof Adutt said the Jubilee project kept the grain of the North Laine area running through the site and provided a large, light and attractive library building.

The plans included landscaping, especially at the upper levels where gardens in the air would be created. They also made provisions for 30 shops, cafes and restaurants, more than 100 new homes, including social housing, a hotel, studios, offices, a lecture theatre and a creche.

Lead libraries councillor Jackie Lythell said finance was an important part of the development and the council had to make sure the scheme was right.

She said: "We liked both but chose one as preferred and one as reserve bidder in case something goes wrong."