A LARGE student complex could soon dominate the skyline in Middlesbrough town centre as part of a £30m development.

Mandale Properties hopes to build an 18-storey tower block on the site of the former Jumpin' Jaks nightclub, in Corporation Road.

The developers also plan to construct a five-storey building on the other side of the road, on the site of the former Cleveland Scientific Institute, that was pulled down in controversial circumstances last year.

Although the firm was legally entitled to flatten the Victorian building, town mayor Ray Mallon criticised it for not informing local residents of its intentions to demolish the former church.

Now, the company is determined to keep the public on its side by involving people in the planning application process.

Chartered town planner England and Lyle is carrying out the consultation process on behalf of Mandale Properties.

Jeremy Good, of England and Lyle, said: "The scheme has been revised on numerous occasions, followings discussions with officers at Middlesbrough Council, who have been heavily involved in the design process.

"This process has been ongoing for many months and our clients feel the time is right to press ahead with the proposals, rather than allowing any further delays in progressing the redevelopment of these important sites."

The development across the two plots will include housing and student accommodation, restaurants and cafes.

The schemes have the potential to accommodate 150 apartments or student flats with car parking.

Mr Good said: "As part of the community consultation, we are seeking feedback from the community in relation to these proposals and a website has been set up, where further information will be provided for residents.

"It is Mandale's view that Middlesbrough is currently missing an opportunity to encourage further inward investment and they feel that a scheme of this scale and prominence will act as a catalyst for many other developments in the town."

Mandale Properties also recently completed the transformation of the former Cleveland County Council building, Teesside House, in Borough Road, into student flats.

To comment on the company's latest plans, residents can visit the website www.england-lyle.co.uk or write to England and Lyle, Morton House, Morton Road, Darlington, DL1 4PT.