The development would see eight current council sites sold and workers relocated to the new development, which, if the plan was to go ahead, would be ready by 2010.

The council say the move is "a critical element of the masterplan to regenerate Blackpool" and "a once in a lifetime opportunity".

It would make up part of the private sector-led gateway development, which would see Bonny Street police station re-located and possibly, as revealed by The Gazette last week, a new Government office created.

Alan Cavill, assistant director of enterprise and business development at Blackpool Council, said: "This is probably the biggest single thing we can do for the town centre.

"There are a few reasons why this is a good idea.

"One is that it will help to ensure the Talbot Gateway project happens.

"Another is that one of the things that will really make the Talbot Gateway work is having a significant number of office workers, who during their lunch hour spend money in the town centre, providing a vital boost for the local economy.

"The third reason is that if we don't change the way we use office space it could actually end up costing us a lot of money."

Mr Cavill said the new complex, if it went ahead, would pay for itself in savings made from getting rid of "Portakabin-like" office buildings that are said to be past their sell-by date.

Progress House on Clifton Road, Westgate House on Squires Gate Lane, Prudential House on Topping Street and an office on South King Street would all go under the scheme.

And Mr Cavill said the public should not be under the illusion that the council was creating a "palatial" complex for them to relax and enjoy themselves in.

"The simple answer to those questions is that it would cost more to stay as we are than it would to move," he said.

The proposal is one of four options put forward to the council for improvements to their offices by London-based property consultant Gensler.

One other option was for the council to stay in its existing offices but that is said to be "poor value for money" with an investment of £72m required to bring the facility up to modern standards.

Another is to lease new offices in the town centre but due to "uncertainty regarding future rent levels" that too is said to be unsuitable.

A third option, to relocate to Progress House is the lowest cost option.

But the report, by director of business services Julian Kearsley, says the "fringe location" on Clifton Road – well out of the town centre – will not provide the "once in a lifetime opportunity" to regenerate the town centre.