AN ambitious scheme to build a complex on Watchet's East Quay in the style of an ocean liner was unveiled this week.

The £1.4 million five-deck 'ship' would house a 120-seat cinema and theatre, swimming pool, gym and 30 holiday home cabins.

The radical proposal to transform the redundant quay is the brainchild of solicitor and Watchet resident Peter Capper, who feels the people of the town want an alternative to the housing development planned there.

He hopes marina developers Dean and Dyball will drop their housing plans and adopt the liner project because, he believes, it will make the marina more of a success.

Also on board the 250 foot boat - the SS Watchet Star - would be a restaurant, bars, coffee and cybernet bar, shops and other attractions.

With feeling running high in the town over the East Quay, locals will this weekend be able to see for themselves architects drawings of Mr Capper's vision when they go on show at Watchet's council chamber.

The Watchet Star would stretch three-quarters of the length of the East Quay and dominate the skyline with two masts rising into the air and a funnel housing a lift mechanism.

Mr Capper said: "If they (Dean and Dyball) can show that expensive houses are a benefit to Watchet I will be most surprised.

"This will create real jobs, complement the marina, provide community facilities and save a large part of the East Quay for community use.

"It will also bring people into Watchet from far and wide, enhancing the existing businesses and encouraging new ones, and provide a regenerative drive that neither the marina nor sterile houses on the East Quay could ever do.

"What happens to the East Quay is too important to leave to the politicians and the developer."

Mr Capper said the idea for a liner docked on the East Quay came to him two months ago while he was on Blue Anchor beach worrying about the future for the quay.

While drawings of the ship show five decks, Mr Capper believes this could be reduced to four and still include all of the envisaged facilities.

He has drawn up a 30-year business plan which he has been told would be good enough to entice venture capitalists to come aboard.

"The designs are not yet finished but it is an idea with flesh on it," he said.

"Dean and Dyball have a 125 year lease on the harbour and the first break is after 50 years, but if the marina is not a success then they could have trouble selling it.

"If Dean and Dyball are working in a partnership with the district council then they should be looking medium to long term rather than just short term."

Mr Capper, a member of marina opponents SWAMP, will be on hand with other members of the project team at the town council chamber to answer any questions and talk about the ocean liner. Doors will be open between 10am and 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday with the artist's impressions on display.

The team have also sent out copies of the plans to Watchet residents which should reach homes by today (Friday).

Mr Capper said if he did not receive Watchet people's support for the scheme then he would ditch it.