Shoppers and traders have welcomed plans to transform Brighton Marina by giving a fast-food restaurant and superstore a facelift.

P Y Gerbeau's X-Leisure and Parkridge Estates, which both run the marina, launched a public consultation last week on a plan to rebuild the western sector of the marina and change it into an internationally famous location.

Asda and McDonald's are expected to be knocked down and incorporated into new developments which could include residential, commercial and retail space.

Other parts of the western sector up for regeneration include the Asda car park, the roundabout near the base of the ramp access, the petrol station and cycle and pedestrian paths.

Consumers and traders said the plans would help the marina create a better impression and attract more visitors.

Design student Cat Rossi, 23, of Sudeley Street, Kemp Town, who shops weekly at Asda, said: "The building is a disgrace. It's run-of-the-mill boring architecture and doesn't make your shopping experience a pleasant one.

"The car park is a concrete mess and doesn't advertise what could be a very attractive part of the city."

Shop supervisor Leeann Chittenden, 25, of Cripps Avenue, Peacehaven, said the plans were a great idea but was worried where she would buy groceries during the construction phase.

She said: "Asda is the local supermarket for a lot of people and shutting it down will inconvenience people for a long time. It's the only major supermarket within driving distance of where I live.

"But the area does need regenerating. A facelift will help the economy and create more jobs."

Mick Lowe, owner of RBM Recording Studios and a gift and flower shop, both on the former public toilets site at Brighton Marina, said the western sector looked like something from the Sixties. He said: "That whole car park needs a facelift.

"It would enhance the marina and bring more people to the marina. There is plenty of parking but a lot of people don't even realise you can walk into the marina because of the concrete ramp.

"A revamp could make the marina something special and pull people in."

David Courtney, owner of the Marina's Walk of Fame caf, said his uncle Henry Cohen, who oversaw the building of the marina in the Sixties and Seventies, would have welcomed a revamp to fulfil his original vision.

An Asda spokesman said: "We are always looking to improve stores. The Brighton Marina site is a question of logistics. It's all about making sure our customers benefit from any rebuild. We are in talks with developers to bring things forward."

A McDonald's spokeswoman said: "Our restaurant at Brighton Marina is very popular and as such both McDonald's and our customers are keen that we be a part of the redevelopment."

Thursday, May 25, 2006