THE Royal Institute of British Architects has announced the shortlist for the design competition to reimagine Prescot's Market Place.

The global design competition, which was launched in May, invited design concepts from architects or landscape architect-led teams to redesign the currently disused open space as part of the Prescot Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) and wider regeneration of Prescot town centre.

From 45 entries to the competition, which has been overseen by RIBA on behalf of the THI, the five shortlisted teams, who will now work up their design proposals in more detail, are Blackstaff Architects from Belfast, Charles Tashima Architecture from London, Mark Wray Architects from Bath, OMI Architects from Manchester and London's

Periscope Studio.

Councillor Graham Morgan, Knowsley’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said: “The Prescot THI is a fantastic initiative and we’re delighted that this shortlisting will take us one step closer to creating a development which will change the face of Prescot.

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

The redesign of Market Place is the single biggest project of the Prescot THI and will have a considerable impact on the look, feel and function of Prescot Town Centre.

Over the past four years the initiative has invested £1.6 million in the conservation and celebration of Prescot’s historic buildings, spaces and the town’s past and has brought in over £400,000 of private investment.

To date, 10 buildings in Prescot town centre have been, or are being, repaired and restored.

Next steps involve shortlisted teams submitting their developed design to the evaluation panel. In early August, the designs will be displayed in a public exhibition for people to view and comment on.

The winner will be announced in August 2017 and work is expected to start in early 2018.

Prescot THI is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Knowsley Council and other partners.