RESIDENTS are being asked for their views on the shortlisted designs to reimagine Prescot’s Market Place.

The competition to redesign currently unused public space, which launched in May, attracted 45 submissions from architect teams from across the globe.

The development is part of the Prescot Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) and wider regeneration of Prescot town centre.

Cllr Graham Morgan, Knowsley’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said: “The high quality designs that have been submitted for Market Place are fantastic and I would encourage residents and business owners in Prescot to have their say on the final design.

“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 five shortlisted designs will be displayed in the windows of the former Grace Lea shop at the entrance to Prescot Shopping Centre on Eccleston Street between Thursday, August 3 and Tuesday, August 8.

On Saturday, August 5, the shop will be open to the public between 10am and 2pm to view the designs and to speak with members of the THI team.

Vote can be submitted online from Thursday, August 3 or at the drop-in session on Saturday.

The five shortlisted architects are Blackstaff Architects, Belfast; Charles Tashima Architecture, London; Mark Wray Architects, Bath; OMI Architects, Manchester; and Periscope Studio, London.

A spokesperson for Knowsley Council said: "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.

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

The final design winner will be announced in August 2017 and work is expected to start in early 2018 with completion scheduled for early Summer 2018.

The THI has been made possible by a £1.848 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund which is supported by National Lottery players.