plans to build the tallest building in the North-East have been unveiled.

The proposed 375ft high apartment block in Middlesbrough town centre would be more than five times higher than the Angel of the North

And it would tower over the 240ft Centre North-East, the region's present tallest building, in the centre of the town.

Developers Mandale Properties and Campus Lifestyle are proposing the £30m development.

It would have 27 storeys, housing 600 students and 44 private apartments.

It could be ready for occupation by September next year. An application for planning approval will go before Middlesbrough councillors this week.

If the go-ahead is given, work could start on site within weeks.

The location for the building is the site of the former Odeon Cinema, in Corporation Road, which closed in 2001.

It was succeeded by the Jumpin' Jaks nightclub, which shut last year.

The building would be bulldozed to make way for the tower block.

Guy Brudenell, Campus Lifestyle's managing director, said: "This building would make one great statement for Middlesbrough."

Ray Mallon, Middlesbrough's elected mayor, has described the scheme as a "bold and exciting plan showing the growing confidence in Middlesbrough".

Joe Darragh, Mandale's estates director, added that the building would act as a catalyst for more development.

He said: "People want to be back in the town centre and this development will provide accommodation to a very high standard.

"It will be fully furnished and equipped and a very high level of security provided."