DEVELOPERS who want to build the tallest building in the North-East are to consult people who would live and work near the 375ft multi-coloured tower.

Plans will be put on display at two venues close to Middlesbrough town centre where the skyscraper block of student flats, topped by penthouses, could be built.

The structure would be five times higher than the Angel of the North.

A spokesman for chartered town planners England and Lyle, said: "An open event is planned to seek the views of the community before the planning application is submitted to Middlesbrough Borough Council."

The proposed £30m, 27-storey tower would house a restaurant, 600 students and 44 private apartments.

Representatives from SJD architects and England and Lyle will be present at the events to explain the proposal and answer questions.

The tower block would be built on the site of the former Odeon Cinema, which closed in 2001.

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

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

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

But not everyone shares his view of the building, which would be finished in red, pink, yellow and blue.

A 35-year-old resident, who does not want to be named, said: "I think it's nothing short of a monstrosity. It's ugly and does nothing whatsoever to the town.

"It will just look like a block of council flats.

"Having the tallest building in the North-East is nothing, but having the most beautiful would be.

"Who wants a multi-coloured building? We want a nice stone."

Mandale Commercial and landlords Campus Lifestyle are behind the project.

The consultation sessions will be held on Wednesday at Unit 38 in the Dundas Arcade, adjacent to Next, between 11am and 4pm, or at St Aidan's Community Centre, Grange Road, between 4.30pm and 7pm.

Questions can also be put to Jeremy Good or Steve Litherland by calling (01325) 469236.