An extraordinary vision of the tallest building in Sussex, 42 storeys and 403ft high, is unveiled today.

Details of the £95 million tower, which would dwarf Sussex Heights and cast a giant shadow across the heart of Brighton, were revealed today.

Our exclusive picture shows for the first time the scale of the building, proposed as the centrepiece of the New England Quarter redevelopment near Brighton station.

The building would feature a sky garden caf, a 200-room, four-star Radisson SAS hotel, 160 new city centre homes and a public square.

Visible for up to 20 miles, it would stand head and shoulders above 26-storey Sussex Heights, in Regency Square, Brighton (330ft), and would even be a match for the 40-storey tower planned for Brighton Marina (420ft) three years later.

The tower would also link Brighton station and the rest of the New England Quarter, where a Sainsbury's supermarket, college, community centre, housing and shops are being built.

The Beetham Organisation hopes to open the landmark building by late 2007, three years before the marina complex.

Plans for the New England Square tower are to go on public display this weekend.

It is hoped the hotel could bring thousands of visitors to the city every year, rivalling the best seafront hotels, bars, restaurants and gyms.

The hotel would take up the lower part of the development while the tower itself would be made up of flats.

At least 55 of the new apartments would be designated affordable homes for key public-sector workers.

Bars, cafs, shops and artwork are planned for the public square as well as a nature park area, all with cycling routes.

The plan is billed as the final chapter in the redevelopment of the 15-acre former railway goods yard which began decades ago.

Beetham chairman Hugh Frost said: "As well as providing private and affordable housing units, the tall building will act as a reference point for the centre of Brighton and a symbol of Brighton's new city status.

"As a company with a strong reputation for urban regeneration of city centres, we're delighted to be a part of the New England Quarter development regenerating this site.

"We believe we have an exciting proposal for New England Square which will create a dynamic series of new public spaces at the heart of Brighton and bring jobs, tourism and business to this thriving and evolving city."

Mr Frost hopes New England Square will herald the start of another golden age of architecture in Brighton and Hove.

He added: "When you compare the many examples of stunning Regency and Victorian buildings in Brighton with what was built after the war, it is rather sad.

"Recent years have been poor for new buildings in the city.

"We believe this building is going to bring a new era of quality architecture to the city, which is something it needs and deserves.

"It was controversial at the time but the Royal Pavilion is now an architectural icon and a symbol of Brighton and Hove. We believe this tower will be just as significant a contribution to the future heritage of the city.

"It would undoubtedly make a significant and positive impact on Brighton.

"Radisson is an internationally renowned hotel firm and we are very pleased to have it on board.

"With the strategic geographic location of the site we are in no doubt it will be a great success and of great benefit to the local economy, as well as contributing much-needed affordable housing."

Chris Gilbert, development manager for Quoin, the lead developer for the New England Quarter, said: "The hotel offers one of the few opportunities, if not the only one, for a new luxury hotel in Brighton which also has conference facilities."

The scheme has been designed by acclaimed architects Allies & Morrison, who have a reputation for outstanding modern buildings.

They recently completed the BBC Media Village at White City, London. The firm is currently working on projects including the Royal Festival Hall, the regeneration of Bankside, Kings Cross Central and the London Olympic bid.

The Beetham Organisation is part of the New England Consortium, responsible for the regeneration of the site, which has lain vacant for more than 30 years. The company is responsible for similar mixed-use schemes in the centres of Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham which also feature tall buildings.

Consultation has already begun with Brighton and Hove City Council, local interest groups, English Heritage and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).

A planning application will be submitted before the end of the year. Outline permission for a 250-room hotel already exists but does not include the tower.

Perched high above sea level, it would dominate the Brighton skyline and cast a massive shadow over parts of the city centre. Its prominence could spark opposition from conservation groups.

The plans drew a mixed reaction from members of the public outside Brighton station yesterday.

Shop worker Kerry Clarke, 29, of Lewes Road, Brighton, said: "It looks nice in the drawing but I'm not sure what it would be like in real life. It is very big and would totally dominate other buildings.

"It is great that the investment is being made but does it really need to be that big?"

John Armstrong, 27, a window cleaner from Lewes, said: "It's very unimaginative. It just looks like a big glass slab. Why couldn't they have come up with something more interesting or unusual, like the Gherkin building in London? It is very uninspiring."

Lorry driver Harry Eldridge, 43, of Dyke Road, Brighton, said: "I'm glad they are finally doing something useful with that site. It has been wasteland for years and I hope this gets permission.

"We need more quality hotel accommodation. I have stayed at Radissons and they are very nice.

"We desperately need affordable homes and the public square idea sounds good."

Student Neil Broadhust, 30, of Marine Parade, Brighton, said: "Brighton needs to move with the times and that is high-rise buildings.

"There is a lack of space in the city centre and the only way is up. It didn't do any harm in Manhattan."

Eileen McMahon, 47, of Old Shoreham Road, Hove, said: "I think it will be a wasted opportunity. I don't object to the idea of tall buildings, I just don't think this one is any good. It looks like any old city centre office block. Brighton is a special place and we need a special building to reflect the character of the city."

New England Square and the new marina development are being proposed in response to unprecedented demand for housing within reach of the city centre. About 1,000 new homes are planned in 14 new buildings at the marina mini-metropolis.

There are also controversial plans to redevelop the King Alfred site in Hove for high-density residential use.

A public exhibition on New England Square will be held at the Royal Pavilion on Friday and Saturday.

This will provide an opportunity for local residents and interest groups to view plans and models of the scheme and to speak to project representatives in further detail.