Trees, signage, seating and new paving will start to transform Cheltenham's High Street when work goes ahead next year. The project will extend from the lower end of Winchcombe Street to the Strand end of the High Street.

Consultants have now been appointed to help deliver the initial phase, which will see over £700,000 in improvements invested by Cheltenham Borough Council and Gloucestershire County Council.

The borough council is working in collaboration with a number of partners to develop the design including the county council, Cheltenham BID (Business Improvement District) and Cheltenham Development Taskforce. Funding limitations mean the project will need to be delivered in phases, with the first construction phase planned for completion next autumn.

Councillor Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for development and safety, said: "Investing in the High Street has been a priority for a long time and I am pleased that we are now in a position, with a design company and many key partners on board, to press ahead with the work. I am proud that our town centre remains strong and has a prosperous future. We have been engaging with John Lewis partnership over the past few months to align our programme wherever possible with the much anticipated new store opening to customers next year."

Councillor Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "This is a really exciting time for Cheltenham town centre, with improvements to the High Street and the Promenade both confirmed for the New Year. We know how important the look of Cheltenham is to the local businesses that are so vital to the town. By investing in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council, we're helping to give this key shopping street the make-over it deserves ahead of the opening of John Lewis next year."

Public exhibitions will go on display next year.