Ocean Terminal and Hodder Planning held a public consultation this week into proposals for the 96m tower which would be situated to the north east of the existing waterfront shopping mall.

If approved, the hotel would be the tallest building in Edinburgh.

Another public consultation is set for February 24 between 15:30 and 19:30 on the ground floor of Ocean terminal outside Debenhams.

Architects at Keppie Design said the vision was to provide a “focal point” for the regeneration of the surrounding area but stressed the plans are still in their early stages.

A project spokesman told The Scotsman: “In response to market interest, Keppie have been commissioned to develop options for a new hotel on the waterfront in Leith Docks, adjacent to Ocean Terminal.

“Initial studies have been prepared for the purposes of discussing the potential scale of the proposal and we are reviewing these with the local community in advance of submitting an application for planning permission in principle.

“The comments made by the community will inform the development of the design going forward.

“It’s a really exciting project that has the potential to provide a focal point for the regeneration of a uniquely situated area of Edinburgh, one graced with great restaurants and bars and set against the backdrop of a busy working dock.”

A planning application will follow in March although construction won’t commence until a hotel operator is found.