Plans to create a new seafront contemporary art venue in Hastings, East Sussex, have been formally submitted to the local authority by the Jerwood Foundation.

If Hastings Borough Council (HBC) approves the scheme, the Jerwood Gallery will house the foundation's collection of 20th and 21st century British art, as well as acting as a regional venue for the Jerwood Visual Arts programme. The proposed building, designed by HAT Projects, will boast more than 500sq m (5,382sq ft) of gallery space, a sculpture courtyard, an education space and a small first-floor café with terrace, as well as a research and archive facility and offices.

Environmental sustainability is also a feature of the scheme, which was recently awarded a £2m grant from the government's Sea Change programme. Arts Council England, the South East England Development Agency, the Hastings Foreshore Trust, and East Sussex County Council are also involved in the scheme. Alan Grieve, chair of the Jerwood Foundation, said: "The art gallery, new public space and community facilities proposed for the Stade would be the best possible uses for this important and unique site.

"We believe that the gallery as a building and all that Jerwood plans to bring to it would create huge benefits for Hastings and its communities. Our professional team has produced a design which would be a wonderful contribution to the character and attractions of this historic location." HBC leader Peter Pragnell added: "The Stade deserves so much more than a coach and lorry park, and the Jerwood Gallery, and our own plans for the open space, community education facilities, and cafe, will transform this unique part of our town.

"It will create new jobs and bring additional visitors to the town, benefitting local businesses."