Building the sports centre alone would cost �25m

Award-winning Canadian architect Frank Gehry and Brighton-based developers Karis Holdings have teamed up to work on the project.

Two 25-storey residential towers and a new sports centre would be built on the Kingsway promenade in Hove.

It was agreed in principle on Monday, ahead of a full planning application.

That is expected to be submitted in August.

The plans include provision for 745 flats in the two towers and lower-rise blocks of between seven and 11 storeys.

The development has proved controversial because it originally proposed four tall buildings.

Frank Gehry has designed buildings in America, France and Scotland

Frank Gehry's other work has included the striking Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, but his King Alfred designs have been described as "an eyesore" and looking "like Noddyland".

The Regency Society is a campaign and advisory group on conservation and new developments in Brighton and Hove.

John Small said the society would "not make up its mind until we see the planning application drawings, because he [Frank Gehry] might pull off this feat of magic and give us a very interesting scheme".

There is added interest because the project has captured the imagination of Hollywood star Brad Pitt, who has been asked to design a penthouse flat and the inside of a restaurant.

If Mr Gehry and Karis are successful with their planning application, building work could begin during 2006.