Ian Hughes hopes his 'Beachcomber' project, which recently won a prestigious design competition, can become a major nationally significant attraction bringing more visitors and investment to his home town.

Ian presented details of his 'Beachcomber' concept for a marina, shops and entertainment complex at the heart of Morecambe to the annual conference of the British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA) in Liverpool.

'Beachcomber' was unveiled last August when self-employed photographer Mr Hughes' concept was one of two winners of a BURA design competition.

Since then the concept has evolved via a radical redesign to improve accessibility from the centre of town.

Architect Mike Oades, of London firm Atomik Architecture - another BURA winner - professionally updated the drawings for UK Pier Revival Ltd, the not-for-profit company formed by Mr Hughes to push forward his plan.

Says Mr Hughes: "We are still working hard behind the scenes and more passionate than ever about this project, especially with the new design which has been called 'iconic' by professionals.

"The past three months have been intense in terms of driving the programme even harder to win support, but it has been worth it for the ground we've gained. These things take time, but our belief that Morecambe can become a chic, upmarket resort for visitors and residents alike remains resolute."

He goes on: "In the words of the Lancashire Tourist Board, 'apart from the Pleasure Beach at Blackpool, there are no national profile attractions on the North West Coast'. "We would certainly change that with a unique Beachcomber for the resort."

Talks are now ongoing about funding aid to put together a business case with the ultimate aim of taking the idea forward to potential private investors.

Mr Hughes says: "There's still a long way to go yet before anyone can say this will happen, but the mere fact that we are still here and broadening the level of support where it counts means that the concept is being taken seriously by the right people."

The next stop for the concept will be a major seaside regeneration conference planned in Blackpool for three days from March 5. Mr Hughes's company is looking for sponsorship to enable it to keep up the pressure.

**For a computer generated image of the idea, log on to www.thevisitor.co.uk