A CLIFFTOP cafe which burnt to the ground 15 years ago could rise like a phoenix from the ashes under plans announced by Christchurch Borough Council.

At the moment a mobile caf positioned next to the public toilets on the clifftop offers visitors teas, coffee, burgers and sandwiches in the summer months, but there has been nothing permanent at the site since 1989.

Now the borough council has launched a unique competition to encourage architects and caterers to team up and devise a scheme for a new cafe, which must look appealing and be acceptable to residents and the council, while being a viable business.

Cllr Alan Griffiths, chairman of the borough council's resources committee, said: "The problem has been finding a solution which satisfies the aspirations of residents, benefits the whole community yet will also be a viable proposition for a business person."

There has been a cafe on or near the site for many years, although it has proved difficult to find out exact locations before 1961 due to coastal erosion.

In the early 1960s a flat-roofed, brick-faced cafe with seating outside was built near the cliff edge, east of the car park, which was leased by the council until it burnt down.

But several attempts to resurrect the cafe in the past have encountered considerable opposition from residents concerned about size, obstruction to the site's spectacular cliff-top views, security, vandalism and the stability of the cliffs.

The Royal Institution of British Architects (RIBA) Wessex region will administer the competition, which will be judged by a panel including local councillors and members of Highcliffe Residents' Association. But the entries will also be displayed in public before judging starts, to give people an opportunity to express their opinions.

First prize is £1,000, second £500 and third £250. The closing date for entries is October 29, 2004.

For more information telephone Jane Pinnock at RIBA Wessex on 01225 874700 or go to www.christchurch.gov.uk.

First published: Sept 24