ALCESTER's historic town hall could be at the heart of plans for a major town centre facelift, which includes ideas for a new market.

Contractors working for Advantage Alcester believe the 362-year-old hall, along with Butter Street and St Nicholas' Church, is one of Alcester's most precious attractions.

But WSP Regeneration said over the years the surrounding area had grown into an ugly, tightly congested car park.

It added the environment was unfriendly, poor and did little to convince visitors that Alcester was a fascinating and exciting place to visit.

One idea in the designers' master plan is to take away all parking around the town hall and create a new market square.

The idea would bring back the town hall as the focus for a street market - just as it was intended to be when it was first built.

Meanwhile, a day-long consultation event has been organised for residents to look at plans for the future of Alcester.

'Vision for Alcester' at Globe House on Thursday, February 13, between 11am-8pm, has been organised so residents can see ideas on the town hall, High Street, access and mobility, new buildings and a new gateway to Alcester.