Better housing and entertainment are also included in the plans

The expansion plans could generate hundreds of new jobs, more housing and leisure facilities, the council said.

The focus of the work includes the Arndale Centre, the Enterprise Centre, railway station and Terminus Road.

Residents are being asked for their views on the scheme which the council says could result in a shopping centre to rival Brighton or Tunbridge Wells.

We are looking at arguably the largest and most significant single development that Eastbourne has ever seen David Elkin, council deputy leader

The redevelopment proposals include creating more retail space to double the size of the current Arndale Centre.

A transport interchange is also being suggested to integrate the rail system with other modes of transport being used by people arriving in Eastbourne.

Better evening entertainment, housing and employment opportunities are also being included in the plans.

Other areas to be including in the scheme are parts of Ashford Road and Commercial Road.

David Elkin, council deputy leader, said: "We are looking at arguably the largest and most significant single development that Eastbourne has ever seen."

David Tutt, leader of the opposition group on the council, said: "The forecasts suggest that, when complete, this work will bring many thousands of new shoppers and visitors to Eastbourne."

The formal consultation period will begin on 15 November and run until 7 January 2005.