Work to transform Preston's prestigious Winckley Square is now underway.

The City Council and the Preston Vision Board have been given cash from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), and the Landscape Institute to re-design the square, making it a more attractive and encouraging people to use it as a link between Avenham Park and the city centre.

Five landscape design practices have been invited to submit designs, with the winner being announced in March.

The winning design, which will be announced in March must cater for a number of activities, such as outdoor events, and include an eye-catching feature to attract visitors from Fishergate.

Imaginative public artwork will also form part of the design, and improved lighting and drainage must be included.

Councillor Anthony Gornall, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "The design competition marks the start of an exciting regeneration project that will breathe new life into Winckley Square.

"Although it has always been an important feature of the city centre, the square currently feels a little tired and is underused, but this project will address these problems and transform it into a vibrant space that will be used for a variety of activities.

"We're already running a number of regeneration projects such as Tithebarn and the improvements to Avenham and Miller Parks and this scheme is another key programme which will add to the vibrant city centre and make Preston an even better place to live, work and visit."

The winning designers will receive £5,000 prize money and in return, the council will be given the right to use all or part of their design for the improvement scheme.

Mike Brogan, city vision manager, said: "Winckley Square is an important area of the city centre being home to a number of businesses and residential properties.

"There have been a number of improvements to the square over the years, but this work has been uncoordinated and doesn't make the best use of the space provided.

"The square is built on various levels and is within a conservation area, which makes it very challenging and this competition will help us select the best landscape architect for the job."