LAVISH plans for the multi-million pound redevelopment of Oddicombe Beach will be discussed this week.

Business leaders and residents will meet tomorrow to debate the possibility of creating a state-of-the-art maritime centre, a bar and a leisure centre at the beach.

There are also plans to refurbish derelict changing rooms and create a visitors' centre for the cliff railway.

Torquay architect Charles Blake has been working on conceptual drawings of how Oddicombe Beach might look given some serious investment.

Arthur Christian, chairman of Babbacombe Bay Marketing Group, said: "Oddicombe Beach is a fantastic place and much favoured by locals and visitors throughout the year.

"Sadly, it is looking tired and much of it no longer fit for purpose, although most user-groups are making the best of it while they can.

"I propose we bring together a group of stakeholders and other interested parties to consider the future of Oddicombe.

"They could investigate whether it would be possible to find ways to improve the amenity, perhaps looking to attract inward investment to benefit the whole community."

Babbacombe Cliff Railway, which takes visitors down to Oddicombe Beach and back again, underwent a £571,000 overhaul three years ago.

Mr Christian added: "When you look at what's happened to the cliff railway, how great it looks and how well it operates, it's a disappointment when you get down to the bottom and see how unattractive the beach is.

"We've signed the lease for the changing rooms. It's a 10-year lease, which means we can now get in there and strip the cubicles and give it a lick of paint.

"We'll put some lights in there and make it look bright so people can start using them again.

"The beach and its surrounding amenities are rundown, the chalets are falling apart, the toilets are in a terrible state — it all needs a big overhaul.

"We're looking for some inward investment.

"There are a lot of important groups with an interest in Oddicombe — the Geopark people, Coast and Countryside Trust, South West Coast Path, as well as people with beach huts and the public in general.

"I'm looking at RDA and European money. If we do get a strong consortium together, I think other people will be keen to join."

The meeting takes place tomorrow at Oddicombe Beach Cafe from 2pm to 3pm.