Empty, expensive and unwanted - descriptions which clung to the Millennium Dome seem to apply equally well to Brighton's Aquarium Terraces.

Originally built in 1869, the seafront site was meant to enter the 21st Century with a glorious new lease of life.

In fact, when ambitious £5 million plans to transform the Terraces were unveiled in 1998, they were meant to be ready by the following summer.

Then the promised grand opening slipped into 2000. When potential investors still failed to fill the site, Easter 2001 became the next deadline.

Today only three new outlets have been attracted to the Terraces - a restaurant, a burger bar and an amusement arcade.

Hardly inspiring and hardly what was promised when futuristic drawings of the Terraces were produced four years ago.

Even companies who do want to invest have been frustrated, such as nightclub firm Po Na Na, which had a bid for a late drinks licence rejected last week.

Property company Compco cannot just leave the development unfinished.

It will have to be more imaginative to make the Terraces attractive to businesses and visitors alike.

That could mean pumping in money itself and refurbishing the vacant outlets to tempt other leisure companies.

Otherwise the empty shell of the Aquarium Terraces will stand as a monument to no more than empty promises.