site at a key gateway to Hamilton.

The land was at the centre of a raging controversy around 10 years ago.

Fury erupted after a picturesque two-storey building at the plot was demolished.

It has been vacant ever since -- but now Seon Place Ltd. is bidding to develop the 14,000 square-foot site, near Dismont Robinson liquor store.

An application for final approval has been submitted to the Planning Department.

The main entrance to the proposed complex would be from Front Street, with additional access from Reid Street.

The floorspace would cover 85,600 sq ft, the roofs 6,800 sq ft, and baclonies 7,600 sq ft.

Waterfalls, and a pool, are proposed for a marble entrance lobby, containing lifts. An underground parking area is also planned.

If approved, the steel and concrete building will be called Seon Place.

Architects for the company are Hamilton-based Barker & Linberg.

In a letter to planners the architects stress the office and retail development would be at a key gateway to Hamilton.

They wrote: "We feel that this is one of the most important and challenging city lots to be developed in recent years.

"We believe that this building meets the challenge and will make a significant contribution to the regeneration of this end of Hamilton.'' Controversy over the site burst when an old-style building -- once containing an upholstery business -- was bulldozed.

It was seen as the destruction of a building of architectural importance.

The National Trust were among the protesters.