The first images of the proposed redevelopment of the Waterfront area of Stratford- upon-Avon have been unveiled.
As part of a public consultation at Stratford Town Hall, the revamping of the Waterfront forms the first #5 million phase of the multi-million pound World Class Stratford initiative.
The aim is to revitalise Stratford, creating improvements for the benefit of residents and visitors which befit the town's role as an international tourist destination.
In addition, Stratford District Council, which owns the land in question, hopes to improve traffic movement in and around Stratford.
Paul Ogden, World Class Stratford project leader, said the draft designs produced by London-based landscape specialists Land Use Consultants (LUC) had already been shown to stakeholders and the newly-formed World Class Stratford Community Forum.
A further public consultation event is expected to take place on November 30.
Mr Ogden said the designs for the Waterfront included plans for the Bancroft Gardens and recreation ground on the other side of the River Avon.
They have been developed under three themed headings including art deco, historical interpretation and contemporary. All three options, which can be switched around in a 'mix and match' arrangement to reflect the public preference, were released yesterday to the public.
Mr Ogden said: "We are trying to create something that looks good.
"The process is that we are going to consider proposals and then we will make the final decision by the end of the year.
"There will always be parts of the Bancroft Gardens area that will be accessible for the public.
"We do not want people to stop coming to Stratford during the construction work. The public, so far, have been largely supportive of it.
"One area of debate is always the question of parking but clearly we cannot accommodate everyone with parking spaces."
Other aims of the World Class Stratford project include kick-starting the development of Stratford as a centre of excellence for a range of functions such as education, culture, leisure and tourism.
In addition project leaders hope to ensure Stratford can meet the challenge to be the most significant and rewarding place for experiencing Shakespeare' legacy.
Stratford District Council is working in partnership with Advantage West Midlands.
