Exciting and controversial proposals for the £6 million regeneration of Grange-over-Sand's rundown promenade have gone under public scrutiny this week.

Details of the Time and Tide project were displayed for the first time yesterday (Thursday) amid a split in opinion over the designs of the much-anticipated project within the 3Ps group.

The 3Ps group was established in 2001 to formalise plans to regenerate the promenade, derelict pool and bring public art to the area, and commissioned architects to help it realise the vision for the seaside resort.

While some members hailed the futuristic plans which include a new caf and toilet block based on the structure of a magnified grain of sand and a cantilever jetty protruding into Morecambe Bay at the Clare House Lane bridge site as a breath of fresh air, others were sceptical that residents would embrace them.

But everyone who attended the opening of a three-day public display at Victoria Hall, which ends on Saturday, agreed that the promenade was in dire need of a new lease of life.

Other features of the project included a new Berners Close bridge, new wheelchair ramps to the promenade, the landscaping of the Bayley Lane crossing area and the resurfacing of the promenade, which would also be lit and decorated with public art.

Donovan Noble, chairman of the 3Ps, said the project would spell a new era for Grange.

Commenting on differing views over what had become known as the grain of sand building', he said: "Architecture is subjective.

"We are trying to regenerate the promenade by building something relevant to Grange.

"The designs are open to change, which is why we are seeking the views of the public."

South Lakeland District Council support officer David Sykes said the project could give Grange a timely boost following decades of neglect.

"These designs are concepts and they will stimulate debate and division as with any other project of this type.

"At the end of all this, and there is a long way to go, we want to achieve a design which is both liked and possible to create."

But 3Ps member Barbara Braysher said the concept designs, drawn up by architects Austin-Smith:Lord, were very different from what many members had imagined.

"The new caf building gets a big no, no' from many committee members," she said.

"I don't think we should be architect-led because the architects do not live in Grange."

Group treasurer David Strawbridge added: "The architects have been arrogant and worked against the instructions of the committee."

However, members of the public who attended the opening of the display appeared strongly in favour of the project.

Former Grange mayor and previous chairwoman of the 3Ps group, Pamela Monkhouse, described the plans as "splendid".

"I think the more modern aspects will help attract a new generation to the town," she said.

Resident Victor Davies agreed, but feared that the grain of sand building' would maybe prove too costly to build.

"I'm prepared to give it a go because nothing could be worse than the present state of the promenade," he said.

The designs will go before the 3Ps group again following the consultation. Proposals will then be put to various funding bodies in a bid to secure the £5,799,000 it is expected to cost.