Plans for a £14.5m mixed-use development in Southport, Lancashire, have been submitted to Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council.

The scheme has been jointly produced by urban regeneration group Neptune Developments and Sefton Council. It will include a new, 133-bedroom hotel with a casino and conference exhibition facilities plus a number of bars and restaurants.

The area around the Southport Theatre and Floral Hall will also be improved by the creation of a £1.7m public plaza, with views over Marine Lake and the north Lancashire coastline.

The development could provide more than 500 new jobs for the area.

Managing director of Neptune Developments, Steve Parry, said: “We are confident that the proposed development will deliver the high quality enhancement that Sefton Council wants to see in the seafront area. Our proposals, we believe, meet the regeneration aspirations for Southport, using design features and materials that are fitting for this important gateway location.

“We expect the development will enhance the character of the seafront and will increase its attractiveness to visitors and residents on a year-round basis.”

Pending planning permission being granted, Neptune Developments intends to be on site by the end of this year with shell completion by the end of 2007 and all aspects of the property ready to be operational by the first quarter of 2008. Details: www.neptunedevelopments.co.uk