The competition is being organised by the RIBA on behalf of Salisbury District Council as part of a joint initiative with Wiltshire County Council. 

In the heart of the city, the Market Place is a bustling area which is home to a thriving charter market. The overall objective is to design and implement a high quality scheme which improves, enhances and reclaims the Market Place, Guildhall Square and surrounding areas as a high quality focal space for the city.

The promoters are hoping that the successful scheme that will provide a vibrant, welcoming place that is a showpiece of modern public realm design in an historic setting.

The focus of the competition will be the development of the Market Place. However, the successful team will also be expected to produce a city public realm strategy. 

Selection will take the form of a two stage process, which at stage one seeks expressions of interest. A shortlist of up to six teams will be drawn up and invited to produce concept designs.

Anyone interested in being considered should contact the RIBA Competitions Office for a preliminary briefing paper. This can be downloaded from www.architecture.com/competitions|. The deadline for expressions of interest is Tuesday 16th September 2008.