A soaring 40-storey skyscraper could rise above the cliffs at Brighton Marina.

It is the centrepiece of a £175 million proposal for 1,000 new homes to breathe life into the harbour.

Brunswick Developments is behind the scheme, destined for the beach just south of the David Lloyd Fitness Centre.

It has been designed by architect Jim Eyre, whose company is behind the £25 million "winking eye" bridge over the Tyne in Gateshead.

The slim, contoured tower would be the focal point of the scheme with other, smaller buildings sited at its base.

If the plan is accepted by Brighton and Hove City Council it will become the tallest building in Sussex.

Talks are taking place with a national housebuilder about 600 exclusive apartments. The remaining 400 homes would be low-cost, in line with the city's policy, and would most likely be run by the Guinness Trust.

There will be extensive consultation before a planning application is submitted later this year.

Brunswick Developments managing director Andrew Goodall said: "The marina needs a landmark and this building will provide it."

Space has been left for the eastern terminus of a suggested rapid transport system, seen by planners as essential for this and other developments proposed for the seafront.

Experts are being brought in to ensure the building will be as environmentally friendly as possible.