PLANS have been submitted to transform Crewe's Lyceum Square into an events and performance space.

The centre of Lyceum Square in front of the Lyceum Theatre is to become a mixed-use space to host events, festivals, performances and activities throughout the year.

There will be a new events stage with an integrated digital screen.

While part of the outdoor market shed, which currently lies empty, is to be turned into a creative centre. Shipping containers and cabin units will be put in place to provide a base for small start-up businesses and artists to collaborate and exhibit their work.

Colourful street furniture and improvements to key approaches to the square, including the installation of overhead festoon lighting, floor graphics and a wall mural, are also part of the scheme - called Ly2 - which Cheshire East Council is delivering after £750,000 of government 'accelerated funding' via the Towns Fund to the Crewe Town Board.

The vision for Ly2 was developed by the Crewe Cultural Forum to enhance the setting of the Lyceum Theatre and Crewe Market Hall and create a cultural heart for the town centre.

As part of the project proposals, the current disabled parking bays on Lyceum Square will be relocated towards the edge of the square, while the council-run car park on the site will be closed off during the public realms work.

A drop-in engagement event is being held from 10am-4pm on Friday, October 8 at Crewe Market Hall where council officers will be available to answer any questions about the plans, which can be seen here.

The final date for submitting comments on the planning application is October 20.

Cllr Nick Mannion, chair of Cheshire East Council's economy and growth committee, said: "The Lyceum Theatre and newly-refurbished Crewe Market Hall are already big draws to this area of the town centre. But this investment in Lyceum Square will enhance it further.

"I would encourage anyone with an interest in Crewe's regeneration to take a look at the plans and to submit their comments on this application."

Crewe Town Board Chairman Doug Kinsman says unlike the regeneration projects proposed with Crewe's Town Deal funding award of £22.9m work on the Lyceum Square scheme can start much sooner.

Public art is to be a focus of the scheme and a series of art briefs have been developed by the borough council in collaboration with Global Street Art working with local artists and the community.

These will include façade graphics for the shipping containers, a wall mural for the Market Shopping Centre and art carpets.

Lyceum Theatre Director Adam Knight, who is a member of the Town Board and chair of the Cultural Forum, said: "The Ly2 scheme is a shining example of what can be achieved through a collaborative approach, where positive change can be enacted by the passion and creativity of the community.

"The transformative potential of this investment will provide opportunities to showcase grassroots and local talent as well as the best of touring festivals, exhibitions and special events in a newly-revitalised town centre setting."