Lancaster City Council (LCC) has launched a major public consultation into plans for the Lancaster Square Routes scheme, which would result in an extensive refurbishment of the city centre.

Designs for the project, which have been drawn up by Gillespies LLP in partnership with artists Amenity Space, aim to build on the city's history and heritage while also creating a modern centre. The council wants to gather feedback from local residents in order to develop a final set of designs, which will be submitted to LCC's cabinet before funding applications for the scheme are submitted.

Andrew Dobson, LCC head of planning services, said: "Lancaster City Centre has a long enviable history and is a major source of employment and tourism. Unfortunately, over the years, the centre has deteriorated and we are now faced with a situation where the condition of the streets is poor and cluttered. "Lancaster Square Routes aims to rejuvenate one of the north west's most important historical city centres and strengthen its position as a major destination both for visitors and residents of the district."