DETAILED designs are being drawn up for two new town squares as part of a bid to make Colchester a more “welcoming” place to visit.

Colchester Council is hoping the revamp of two public spaces at St Nicholas Square and Balkerne Gardens will make the town more attractive for residents, businesses and visitors.

It also hopes the facelift will act as a catalyst for future investment in Colchester.

Details have not yet been revealed about specific improvements but the council promises to deliver “attractive new squares”, which will provide a “vibrant” focal point for nearby businesses.

The council has commissioned Colchester-based architects HAT Projects to undertake the initial design work.

A council spokesman said: “The intention is to deliver attractive new squares that promote public use, to provide a vibrant and active social and business focal point that meets the needs of adjacent businesses and residents.

“To that end, the design will be heavily influenced by public engagement with residents and key stakeholders to learn about their needs and aspirations to maximise the opportunities presented by this project for all the communities of the borough.”

The architects will launch a consultation with businesses to draw upon local knowledge of the town to shape their plans.

Their initial work will explore how the two spaces can be improved.

Hana Loftus, director of HAT Projects, said: “We are delighted to be working with the council and all the organisations and businesses that border these two key public spaces, to collaboratively develop proposals that realise their full potential for the community.

“We are excited to be helping create two new focal points for the town centre, with the wide benefits these can bring.”

Nick Barlow, Colchester councillor responsible for commercial services, said he is already feeling positive about the scheme.

“These changes will potentially make a real difference and will build on the excellent work done so far to make Colchester town centre a more welcoming and accessible place,” he said.

“Work on these two pedestrian areas will substantially improve the environment and help attract more footfall to businesses in the area.

“Working with a talented architect such as HAT Projects is fantastic, and I am already positive about the project outcome.”