A huge seafront site left empty for a decade after plans for a superclub collapsed is set to finally be brought into use.

Proposals are being put together to revamp The Terraces, above the Sea Life Centre, in Madeira Drive, Brighton, starting with a restaurant and hotel.

The 50,000 sq ft complex, in a prime seafront spot, was redeveloped by Compco in 2000 but many of its units have never been filled.

They include a space on the ground floor and basement where nightclub giant Cream had once planned to open a 1,750 person nightspot.

One of the businesses that did move in, an arcade, has recently closed, leaving only Terraces restaurant, a Harvester and Burger King.

New plans for a revamp are being put together by Brighton Seafront Regeneration Ltd., headed by architect David Kohn, following an extensive consultation with residents in the area.

They have proposed keeping the development within the existing buildings and making use of its original 1920s features.

The firm has now submitted a planning application for a flagship restaurant in unit five of the building, on the lower terrace.

Mr Kohn said: "The Aquarium Terraces on Madeira Drive is an extraordinary site that has been derelict for too long.

"We are adopting a light touch approach, adjusting the existing structures to make the most of the abundant light, air and views.

"The new restaurant will hopefully mark a return to pleasurable use of this beautiful stretch of Brighton seafront."

Full details of the plans have yet to be published but a spokesman said the "dull facade" would be overhauled and additional windows would be added to the side to improve lighting. The modern pavilion on the upper terrace would be removed and the disabled access ramp replaced with a lift.

It is expected proposals for a small hotel in units six and seven on the upper terrace will be the next to follow, while uses for other units and vast spaces at the beach and basement level are be discussed.

The developers said they had no intention of including a nightclub which was locally opposed ten years ago.

The proposals have been well received in the surrounding area, winning initial support from the Kingscliffe conservation society and councillors.

Councillor Ben Duncan, who represents the area on Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "The Madeira Drive stretch of the seafront need something to happen and from what I have seen so far this is something with heritage values which creates genuine amenity for the public with its views over the sea."

He said he hoped the plans could change the seafront east of the Palace Pier's position as a poor relation to the west side.