Plans for an indoor bowls centre to replace the facility being knocked down for a controversial development are back on the table.

Council bosses threw out plans for the centre in Hove Park nine months ago and discussions with potential developers have recently floundered.

But a report discussed by the council's culture committee is now asking officers to press ahead with changes to the project.

The centre would replace the facility being knocked down at the King Alfred.

King Alfred Men's and Ladies' Indoor Bowls Clubs currently play next to the seafront leisure centre but the site will be redeveloped as part of the £290million building scheme.

The council want to replace the facility with a six-rink facility at Hove Park Yard, off The Droveway.

Hopes that another developer would partner the Brighton and Hove City Council-led scheme have now been shelved.

Entrepreneur Mike Holland, who owns the Engineerium next door, had been in talks with the council over extending the development to include new attractions for the steam museum.

But he told The Argus he was already working on a number of projects, including the Astoria on Gloucester Place, Brighton, and could not take on any new developments.

He added that the Engineerium is likely to be open next summer.

In November 2006 the council's property and design team submitted a planning application for Hove Park Yard. This was turned down by the planning committee in February this year because councillors felt it failed to fit in with the nearby conservation area and would not make efficient use of the land.

The culture committee have asked officers to modify the plans and re-submit a planning application.

Changes will focus on the finishing materials, the shape of the roof and landscaping.

Chairman of the committee Coun David Smith said: "Adjacent to Hove Park would be a natural place to site the new indoor bowls facility.

"It would complement the existing sports facilities in the park and would provide the local community with a modern, top-of-the-range bowls centre.

"So while it's a good place it needs to look right in this attractive location and we're likely to ask officers to make the necessary design changes."

Karis, developers of the King Alfred site, have pledged £2.5 million for the new building and work will also be carried out to ensure the scheme is financially viable.

The facility will cover 2,400 square metres and include changing rooms, a restaurant, bar and committee rooms.

Some car parking spaces will also be provided.

The housing and leisure complex for Hove seafront was approved by Brighton and Hove City Council in March.

Some 750 new homes will be built alongside the Frank Gehry-designed sports centre.

Should the bowls centre have been included in the King Alfred development instead of being moved to Hove Park? Tell us what you think below.