An 80ft (24.4m) vertical pier is at the centre of new proposals unveiled by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council (RCBC) for the £30m transformation of Redcar's seafront.

Plans drawn up by a team led by Harrogate-based landscape architects Smeeden Foreman were selected by the council following an international design competition. Seven Architecture, Arup and Davis Langdon are also involved with the scheme. Redcar's seafront defences are to be upgraded as part of the project, which aims to create a vibrant promenade incorporating water cascades, sunshine traps and a performance space in a bid to attract more visitors to the town.

Three distinct zones will be established along the seafront: 'focus', 'fun' and 'nature'. The 'focus' zone will include the vertical pier at the heart of the proposed new performance space, offering a 360-degree viewing platform. The 'fun' zone will incorporate water play areas, while the 'nature' zone is designed to complement existing environmental features on the beach at the eastern end of the scheme, including the Scars rock area Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Work is expected to get underway in summer 2010 following the approval of a funding package, with the Environment Agency expected to secure £25m for the construction of sea defences. The remaining £5m will come from a range of other sources. Sheelagh Clarke, RCBC deputy leader and cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: "The area has looked tired for a number of years and our plans will put our seafront back on the tourism map and undoubtedly attract visitors both old and new.

"Our vision is deliberately ambitious because we want to stand out from the crowd and show people Redcar is a fantastic town and the seafront is second to none, and that once you have come you will always remember it." Kate Curtis of Smeeden Foreman added: "We wanted to create a design which drew on the existing assets and history of the town as well as capitalising on the amazing views. From the industrial landscape to the north to the steady flow of ships on the horizon and the beautiful expanse of sand, Redcar offers a rich seaside experience.

"Our inspiration came from all of these factors and we also used the different elements of the beach such as the water, sand and rocks to shape the design."