The designers of the planned new 42-storey skyscraper near Brighton station have swept the board at a top architectural awards ceremony.

Allies and Morrison won the best office and best urban regeneration project honours at the inaugural Architect of the Year Awards at the Hilton Park Lane Hotel, London.

The £95 million, 403ft tower being earmarked for the New England Square development will be the tallest building in Sussex and could be open by 2007.

The development will include a 200-room, four-star Radisson Hotel, 160 city centre apartments and a public square.

Allies and Morrison won its award for its work on the new BBC buildings at White City, its own offices in London and Piccadilly Plaza in Manchester.

The regeneration award acknowledged the company's work on two major projects in London - a development at King's Cross and the 2012 Olympic Games bid.

The judges said: "Allies and Morrison has an intelligent, thoughtful approach. They understand regeneration and the role the architect has to play in it.

"They produce thoughtful yet delightful buildings.

"There is real attention to detail and clarity to their work. They make excellent use of light.

"Even with some very demanding commercial clients, they have still delivered exceptional buildings.

They have produced so much good work."