The Evening Post revealed last year how Town Hall chiefs were considering plans for hundreds of floating eco-homes on the docks.

Now the plan has moved on following a meeting between officers from Preston Council, representatives from the city's twin town in Almelo, Holland, British Waterways and London-based housing experts NGM Sustainable Developments.

The ambitious project could now include a floating hotel and entertainment area with bars and restaurants.

Council leader Ken Hudson said: "Some of the officers came over for three days from Almelo and talked about sustainable developments.

"The type of thing they are doing in Almelo is what we are looking at doing in the docks. One of the things NGM are looking at is a big floating hotel."

Coun Hudson said the plans were "moving forward".

The scheme – which has not yet been costed – could be partly funded through a joint bid for European cash between Preston Council and Almelo authorities.

Almelo officials are looking to build a huge floating development in their town.

The floating buildings would have their base hollowed out like a ship.

It means they would combat the risk of flooding by rising and falling with the tide of the river.

The project would be developed along the banks of the Ribble and Preston docks and would look similar to designs pioneered in Holland and Sweden.

Another possibility discussed at the meeting was dividing the docks with a lock.

This would create a section of cleaner water, similar to the thriving Salford Quays development.

A spokesman for NGM said: "There is no formal agreement in place, but we are talking to them (the council) and we are more than happy to help them to see what can be done.

"It is obviously a very exciting development opportunity."

Floating homes already built in the flatlands of Holland can withstand rises in water levels of up to four metres.

Many are built from wood or light aluminium and are linked by walkways.