A winning design has been unveiled, following a prestigious competition, to transform the West's largest medieval square in Salisbury into one of the grandest public open spaces in Europe.

The £3 million scheme to revive Salisbury's 800-year-old Market Place attracted dozens of entries from urban designers who came up with a huge range of ideas.

From the six shortlisted projects, one emerged as the first choice of the public, local businesses, market traders, fairground operators and a professional judging panel.

Submitted by Nottingham-based Letts Wheeler Architects, the scheme has now been endorsed by Salisbury district council's Cabinet.

It incorporates:

A large flexible open central space for all kinds of new events and regular outdoor entertainments;

More room for the twice-weekly Charter Market to thrive and expand;

New high quality seating, a natural stone surface and a dramatic and flexible lighting scheme;

A beautiful linear fountain which is safe and practical for children to walk through and play in;

An improved setting for the War Memorial.

The project was further boosted by Wiltshire County Council which has now publicly backed the venture after sparking an outcry in Salisbury by suggesting it should be shelved.

The competition was launched last August in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Councillor Peter Edge said: "This is an exciting concept design that will breathe new life into the heart of our wonderful city.

"Work should begin as early as autumn 2010, and it is significant that the private sector and civic society support what is being done with the Market Place.

"This is about giving a scruffy-looking public space back to the people on non-market days, instilling civic pride and firing the imagination through events and outdoor entertainment."

He said that utilising the historic square as a car park – which currently happens on the five weekly non-market days – was a waste of a potentially stunning open space.

Mr Edge said that nearly 1,800 questionnaires were handed out at a recent public exhibition on the project, of which 450 were filled in.

He said: "It was clear... that this particular scheme had the most support from the public, market traders, businesses and fairground operators.

"The proposed single open space, with various features, was well thought of. For example, it allows the market to expand."

The 2.4-acre square has been at the heart of Salisbury ever since Henry II gave permission for twice weekly charter markets to be held there in 1227.