A team of designers who will be behind the transformation of Helston town centre has been unveiled.

Truro-based landscape architects MeiLoci have been appointed to put together a Public Realm Framework – a plan showing what work could take place over the coming months and years, to improve the town centre.

It is the latest stage in the process of spending 106 “public realm” money given by Tesco and Sainsbury’s when they built new stores in the town, and set aside for projects that would offset the potential negative effect on the town centre.

Over the past year members of the public have been asked what they would like to see done in the town, through a detailed questionnaire and a number of meetings, including in schools and with community groups.

Last week Helston Town Council chose the team they want to see take on the project, following presentations from three shortlisted design firms.

Town councillors, the Public Realm Project Board, Helston’s Cornwall Councillors and the Town Team directors of the Helston Business Improvement Partnership were involved, giving their preferences to help the town council make the official decision.

Martin Searle, town centre regeneration officer, said: “This marks the start of the design process for physical improvements in the town centre.”

The team will now develop concept designs, with budget costs, for a range of projects that should help to improve the economy and environment of the town centre, as well as making it a better place to socialise in, taking into account the ideas from the public.

Aspects that will be considered are “gateways” to the town centre (i.e. the routes people arrive and leave), vehicle routes into the town and within its centre, car park improvements, pedestrian routes in the town and public spaces.

The work will cost approximately £10,000 and is due to start this week, with completion anticipated early in the New Year.

Town mayor Mike Thomas said: “I am really proud to think that very soon Helston will have an action plan for improving the town centre, based on consultation with local people and businesses.

“The Public Realm Framework will include a range of inspirational projects, and enable this council to focus the section 106 public realm funds on delivery of a priority scheme in the New Year.”

There will be further chances for local residents, businesses and groups to contribute to the design process, so that the proposals are well-supported by the local community and distinctive to Helston.

Nicola Boase, town councillor and chair of the Public Realm Project Board, said she was looking forward to working with MeiLoci in the next few months, on the design and development of some “exciting schemes to enhance the town centre.”