This is the first image of how an historic bandstand which has been rotting for years could look after a £1 million revamp.

The condition of the Birdcage Bandstand on Brighton seafront has been deteriorating since the Seventies.

Now Brighton and Hove City Council is preparing to make a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for up to 90 per cent of the costs of renovating the Grade II- listed structure.

Once complete the stand would be commercially run while providing a performance space and wedding venue.

Today The Argus publishes the first image, produced by architectural technician John Hoile, of how it is hoped the area might look once the work is complete.

Before the main refurbishments can begin the council must await the decision of its funding bid, which could take up to six months.

Environment councillor Gill Mitchell said: "We have drawn up the bid with specialist architects and English Heritage has already invested in landscaping surrounding the bandstand.

"We obviously hope a successful bid will enable us to restore this beautiful structure to its former glory."

Coun Mitchell admitted it had taken a long time even to reach this stage but said preparatory work for the bid had to be thorough. Last year conservation architects Julian Harraps carried out a condition survey on the bandstand and work began on landscaping, including a new brick road and pedestrian walkway.

The estimated cost of the whole project is £1,047,000, of which £742,000 would be spent on basic infrastructure and reinstating the link-bridge from Kingsway to the upper level of the two-storey bandstand and £25,000 to repair a damaged mosaic.

The council has indicated it is prepared to contribute between ten and 20 per cent of the total cost with the rest coming from lottery money.

However, officers have acknowledged the HLF could choose to stump up as little as half of the required amount, which could have a serious impact on other seafront regeneration projects.

Coun Mitchell rejected the suggestion the bandstand could become another West Pier. The HLF withdrew its promise of funding after the Old Lady was damaged by fires and storms, leaving dreams of restoration in tatters.

She said: "The stand is in remarkably good nick and we have been actively working on this bid by carrying out research and investing in landscaping around the main structure which respects the historical setting of the bandstand."

If the bid is successful a further one could be submitted for funding to build a small clubhouse and public toilets at the western end of the development.

Conservation groups welcomed the bid.

John Small, of the Regency Society, said: "I think they're moving in the right direction but it's painfully slow. It's continuing to rot."

Selma Montford, secretary of the Brighton Society, said 20 years had elapsed since the first warnings had been issued about the structure deteriorating.

She said: "The bandstand is very important as a jewel on the seafront. It's not falling down but it is deteriorating and considering the neglect it has endured it's amazing what good condition it's in. Obviously we are hopeful and it's better late than never."

The Birdcage Bandstand was designed by Phillip Lockwood in the 1880s.

Council officers believe the complex and decorative design of the bandstand, its listed building status and the fact it is structurally sound makes the building the most important of its kind in the South-East, if not the UK.