Plans for an 18-storey landmark building in Newhaven, with homes, offices and shops, were unveiled today.

Brighton-based development company Sign of Four is asking Lewes District Council to approve the £10 million scheme.

It will be situated in the town centre and called 1 Bridge Street. It will have 65,000sqft of space and include 22 new homes.

There will also be a new pedestrian walkway linking Newhaven High Street to the station and the ferry terminal.

If approved for the half-acre site, the scheme will cater for 300 people.

The site is occupied by shops and workshops and some derelict land fronting North Way. Some of the buildings have been recently renovated as short-term homes and shops.

One part of the site already has outline planning consent for 12 flats.

Sign of Four director Tony Smith said: "We think this is a poor response to the needs of the area and something more significant and challenging should be considered.

"As a resident I am very keen to use this opportunity to develop the site fully in a way that would alleviate concerns we have all felt about the town in recent years.

"This will be a high-quality, landmark building, sending the message that real investment is continuing to take place in Newhaven's future."

The scheme has been designed by Brighton architect Philip Farmiloe, director of Farmiloe Architects.

He said: "The building will be both dramatic and contemporary, designed to make a very positive statement and adding to the existing momentum for change in Newhaven."

Built of steel and glass, it will be the highest building in Newhaven at 240 feet and one of the tallest in Sussex.

Mr Farmiloe said the building would be in use 24 hours a day, adding vitality and life to Newhaven.

It would meet a need for offices and for urgently- needed local homes without using greenfield space.

A public exhibition on the proposals will be held at 3 Bridge Street, the former Citizens' Advice Bureau from October 9 to 12, from 10am to 1pm and 5pm to 7.30pm.

On the Saturday, it will be open from 10am to 1pm.