RESIDENTS are being asked 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 One NorthEast, and being 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 study is now at an important stage where, after a large amount of technical work, the views of the public and other interested parties are being sought on the two options.

"On completion of the consultations, all the views and comments received will be taken into account and, during the summer, the consultants will be preparing the masterplan.

"At that stage, there will be further consultation with the public."

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.

Work on the preferred option is unlikely to begin before 2004, and is predicted to take 15 years, costing at least £60m