MILLIONAIRE property and horse racing tycoon Rob Lloyd has revealed huge regeneration plans for a region devastated by recent floods.

The Tarporley-based chief executive of Eatonfield Group PLC said the firm were close to acquiring 265 acres of land near Workington, Cumbria.

The development plans include a marina and associated facilities, residential town houses and apartments overlooking the marina and the historic town quay and also retail, offices and a visitor centre.

Work is due to begin in 2013 pending successful planning applications, due to be submitted in Easter.

Mr Lloyd said: “Our share of the option over 265 acres gives Eatonfield a very exciting opportunity to create significant value.

“We look forward to being part of the strategy to further enhance the area, through inward investment, job creation and the development of a thriving community.”

Mr Lloyd, of Spurstow, who also runs Rob Lloyd Racing stables near Tarporley, helped to raise £8,000 for charity last month at a dinner and auction at Peckforton Castle.

Mr Lloyd donated a race horse from his stables called ‘Five Stars Appeal’ who will run next season and any winnings will be given to charity. The filly will be kept at Lloyd’s stables and trained by Pat Morris.

Funds raised on the night will be shared by the Five Stars Appeal, which hopes to raise £1m for a MRI scanner for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, the Injured Jockey Fund and the Hospice Of The Good Shepherd, at Backford.

Mandy Smith, trustee of the Five Stars Appeal, said: “We are so excited to own a racehorse and grateful to Rob Lloyd Racing for making this possible. We hope it will win a lot of races and raise lots of money.”