Companies are being invited to show interest in a prime seafront leisure regeneration site.

Brighton and Hove City Council has agreed in principle to demolish the King Alfred Leisure Centre.

The Hove building will be replaced by a new £20 million centre. This will be funded by hundreds of homes on the site. There will also be a few shops, cafes and bars.

After a consultation exercise, the council found four out of five people in favour of the scheme.

This is hotly disputed by local residents who say that almost everyone is opposed to the scheme.

The council is telling companies it wants to see a high-quality and environmentally-friendly design for the new buildings. Advertisements have been placed in the property press.

It adds there will be continued public consultation as the scheme progresses.

Firms are being told of the sports' requirements including new pools and a dry sports centre plus a gym and parking for up to 200 cars.

Culture councillor Ian Duncan said: "As a prime south coast location, this will become the city's most prestigious leisure scheme and one of our most high-profile and important regeneration projects."