As much as £400m could be pumped into the run-down south-coast resorts of Hastings and Bexhill to transform them into a vibrant mini-Barcelona.
Initial design concepts were presented last week by Barcelona-based architect Martorell Bohigas Mackay, which was selected in January as masterplanner with English architect-turned-developer Roger Zogolovitch.

Backed by a taskforce of 16 local authorities and the South East England Development Agency, the regeneration scheme was initiated last September after plans for the Hastings bypass road were turned down by the DTLR.

Hastings and Bexhill make up one of the most deprived areas in the country, with wage levels 22% lower than the national average.

A five-point plan has been drawn up that includes transport improvements, a comprehensive regeneration strategy to meet housing, jobs and community needs and the installation of a broadband cable network.