RESIDENTS are being asked for their views on £60m regeneration plans for a port area, in the latest phase of a study.

The study, commissioned by Sunderland City Council and development agency One NorthEast, and led by consultants Halcrow, covers the 112 hectares of land occupied by the Port of Sunderland and its environs.

After initially identifying 12 priorities for its redevelopment, the consultants have reduced them to produce two plans - mainly establishing environmental industries and creating extra housing.

In a series of exhibitions, being held across the city this month and next, people are being invited to say which they prefer.

Councillor Bob Symonds, cabinet member with responsibility for management, said: "The regeneration of the land area of the Port of Sunderland is possibly the largest single regeneration challenge in the North-East."

The first option includes a port significantly reduced in size, an environmental business park, an eco-industries manufacturing park and a recycling zone.

The other option features housing on Corporation Quay and Hudson Dock, the development of Greenwell's Quay for commercial use, a business park and a start-up industrial area.

A hotel, casino, marina and water sports facilities would replace the existing dock.