AN AMBITIOUS project to renovate Prescot's historic market place is underway.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched an international design competition for the near 700-year-old market space.

Organised in partnership with Knowsley Council and the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, the first phase of the competition will require architect-led teams to submit designs anonymously, in digital format.

Five concept designs will then be shortlisted to participate in the second phase.

Euan Macdonald from Hawkins/Brown is fulfilling the role of Architect Adviser.

The redesign of the market place is the biggest project of the Prescot Townscape Heritage Initiative, which over the last four years has invested £1.6million in the conservation and celebration of Prescot's historic buildings and spaces and levered in more than £400,000 of private investment.

So far, ten buildings in Prescot town centre have been, or are being, repaired and restored to their former glory.

Prescot's rich and varied history and industrial past includes coal mining, pottery and watch making and it is home to many historic buildings with quality architectural features.

Over the past four years the ambitious Prescot Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) has invested £1.6million in the conservation and celebration of these historic buildings, spaces and the town’s past and has levered in over £400,000 of private investment.

To date, ten buildings in Prescot town centre have been, or are being, repaired and restored to their former glory. The modernisation of the market place is expected to have a considerable impact on the look of Prescot Town Centre.

John Flaherty, executive director at Knowsley Council, said: “The Prescot THI is a fantastic initiative and is literally changing the face of Prescot.

"The redesign of Market Place will create a vibrant special space in the town centre which will complement other amazing developments in the town including the new Shakespeare North Playhouse and Cinema making Prescot even more attractive to visitors, residents and businesses.”

The initiative is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Knowsley Council and other local partners.

For information about how to enter the competition please visit: ribacompetitions.com/prescot.

The closing date for receipt of Phase 1 submissions is 2pm on Thursday, June 8.