An international design competition is underway to find a designer for the Ross Bandstand replacement project in Edinburgh.

An architect is being sought to help deliver a replacement Pavilion for the historic Bandstand, as well as a visitor centre featuring a café and improvements to be carried out on the surrounding landscape.

The successful applicant will also be appointed to come up with a replacement structure for the year-round benefit of communities and visitors, in consultation with heritage bodies, festival producers and residents.

Additional improvements at West Princes Street Gardens includes restoring the Ross Fountain to full working order, refurbishing the three rain shelters next to the Floral clock and replacing the road access bridge leading to King's Stables Road.

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The project is being funded by the Ross Development Trust. Once all permissions have been granted, work could get underway by 2018.

Cllr Richard Lewis said: "While there is no doubt it has provided Edinburgh with an excellent venue, we are now at the stage where it is in real need of redevelopment. Rather than make temporary improvements on our own, the Ross Development Trust's support and funding allows us to set our sights much higher.

"This design competition is a unique chance to revitalise the venue and the surrounding gardens, including the city's historic Ross Fountain. It will be fascinating to see the finalists' concept designs and I'm certain the brief will generate huge interest."

Details of how to enter the competition, which will be open until 13 March, can be found here.

(LM)