The Dutch architectural practice which two years ago caused uproar in Dawlish by suggesting the much loved brook should be covered with concrete has revealed a 'zesty' multi-million pound scheme to completely reshape the heart of Newton Abbot.

It has also said the town's future prosperity depends on re-branding itself 'the gateway to South Hams'.

ParlFolio NV, whose UK base is the infamous Downside Up house in Totnes, has said its Lemon Soul project would go much further than the current regeneration plan which includes opening up a small section of the River Lemon, hidden under the streets for generations.

The Dutch team has claimed the entire stretch should once again see the light of day.

That would mean demolishing properties from Bank Street to Sherborne Road, taking in much of Market Walk and the upper end of Courtenay Street.

More controversially the historic St Leonard's Tower would be moved to a new waterside park where it could provide a viewing platform.

ParlFolio's senior partner, Arwhet Khipper, said he had been considering the idea for some time and had decided to go public following February's announcement that the livestock market could be relocated to Ilford Park.

'It makes even more sense now,' he said.

'We realised how much people love an open waterscape in their urban streetscene when we suggested doing away with the brook in Dawlish.

'The buildings that would be lost in Newton could be replaced in a major redevelopment of what is currently the cattle market, multi-storey car park and Sherborne Road open car park.

'Not only does the land there represent a few hectares of prime real estate, but what about the sky above it?

'We could easily build to five or six storeys, possibly more, and give Newton Abbot the retail offer it needs if it is to fend off competition from Exeter and Plymouth.'

Other elements in the project include a giant walk-through model of a lemon at the western end of Courtenay Street and a similar one of an orange at the junction of Union Road and Courtenay Street.

That would commemorate, Mr Khipper said, the 1688 proclamation in the town of William of Orange as King.

A citrus-themed play park could be built to give mums and dads a break from the kids while shopping and visitors could get information and refreshments from fruit-shaped pods dotted around the town.

The new town trail would be renamed the Fruit Loop and served by a themed tourist train, each carriage shaped like a lemon, lime, orange or grapefruit.

'It's kind of fruity, kind of funky and zesty, just the sort of statement that Newton Abbot needs to make,' said Mr Khipper.

'Most people from outside the area already realise the town is only playing second fiddle to the likes of Totnes so the best way to maximise visitor footfall is to offer something unique.

'Newton Abbot should also brand itself as the gateway to South Hams, which is where most people really want to be after all.'

Jonty Engell, spokesman for the Newton Abbot Preservation Society, said: 'If it wasn't for ParlFolio's mad track record, which also includes plans to convert The Den in Teignmouth into a car park, I'd say that coming when it does this was an April Fool.

'However, I'm not taking this lying down and I hope no one else does. We must resist this scheme with all possible vigour.

'Lemon Soul? Taking the pith, more like. If you ask me Mr Khipper and his team are not from Holland but Neder Nederland.'