Classy cafe by top man Thomas

Described by The Times as "the most creative mind in Britain", he is best known for his spectacular B of the Bang sculpture outside the City of Manchester Stadium.

Now he is turning his attention to designing a remarkable seaside building which is set to become a landmark feature of Littlehampton, with the potential to attract many visitors to the resort.

The caf is planned for the site of the existing East Beach kiosk, and resembles a large piece of driftwood, weathered by the wind and waves, but with a large glass front giving wonderful sea views for the 60 customers.

It was only a chance meeting at a birthday party at Goodwood which led to Thomas offering to design the cafe for kiosk owner Jane Wood.

South Terrace resident Jane, who only bought the kiosk because she didn't like plans which had already been approved for a drab, larger redevelopment of the site, was delighted to accept the offer from Thomas, whose London-based studio is in constant demand for commissions around the globe, including a staduim in Hong Kong and a Buddhist temple in Japan.

"It sounded fantastic. It was a real challenge, but I told her I could do it. I was ripping her arm off to get the job!," said Thomas.

"My interest is in projects where there is the potential to do something extraordinary, and I can't say I have seen a really special beach cafe before."

East Beach Residents' Association and Littlehampton Civic Society, which both strongly objected to the earlier plans for the kiosk, have backed the new scheme.

The plans were lodged with Arun last week, and it's hoped that a decision will be taken before the end of the year.

Jane is desperate for the plans to be approved. "It's a fantastic opportunity to do something special for Littlehampton. I don't see Thomas' building as architecture, but as sculpture. It's really exciting."

At present the kiosk, with seating on beach decking opposite it, opens only during good weather, but the new cafe will be an all-year-round business, creating eight new full-time jobs.

High-profile restauranteur Rick Stein has advised Jane and her family on the catering aspects, and she says her existing customers are supporting her over the redevelopment.

The plans also involve demolishing a seaside shelter near the kiosk, but that is likely to be a popular move, as it has been the source of many complaints about drunks and anti-social behaviour.