A self-powered digital gallery could become a new attraction at Exeter Quay, as part of a £24m McAlpine regeneration scheme in the canal basin.

A consortium, led by Tony Doherty, director of Exeter's Phoenix arts centre, wants to launch a hi-tech creative centre in a former electricity building. The 'Generator Project' aims to run a self-powered building using solar panels and eliminate the need for any core funding.

Doherty says he sees an 'urban park' with power and rental costs covered and only staffing needing funding: 'We are looking for interested parties to come and talk to us. We could get the building up and running within a year and then look at the internal situation. We want to power a unique site, with free entry and plasma screens set in glorious interior balustrades and Victorian tiles.'

Plans include a restaurant with roof gardens, leased areas to companies providing the technology, and an educational resource with computer programmes acting as a hi-tech medium for displays and exhibitions. Details: [email protected]