CITY of Living Crafts - a multi-million pound makeover the like of which Hereford hasn't seen since the 1970s.

The Hereford Times unveiled the blueprint back in November. Proposed by the Hereford City Partnership (HCP) the plan envisages ambitious enhancement of established assets like the river and Cathedral.

But it's really about the basics, putting right what is seen as wrong. How that's done is down to those who live, work and play there.

HCP, a limited company with public, private and voluntary sector representation, rolled out consultation until Christmas.

Brought in to make Living Crafts a reality is the Building Design Partnership, one of Europe's biggest architectural-engineering groups.

A series of exhibitions led to a public meeting over the makeover held at Hereford Town Hall.

The Hereford Times ran a weekly illustrated outline to ideas for individual areas.

All are linked by the Living Crafts loop - a visitor-friendly street-by-street showcase for the county's fast-growing (and economically essential) creative sector.

Three concepts were considered for High Town, each with the common theme of removing clutter, reorganising street furnishings, improving paving and enhancing lighting.

The first option offered outdoor cafes and space for planned - and spontaneous - performance.

Option Two was all about a semi-permanent structure, put up over summer and again at Christmas. Here would be all-weather protection for events such as markets, craft fairs and exhibitions.

This building becomes permanent under Option Three. Not like the old market hall that once stood on site, but somewhere with a sequence of spaces designed for differing character and use.

There could, for instance, be an exhibition area or, maybe, a caf with a high level terrace.

Many variations on this theme are possible.

The Broad Street border with Cathedral Close is defined by 12 forged steel pillars each depicting an era in the history of Hereford Cathedral. Beyond them, better paving, new paths and effective lighting make this a place to come and contemplate or simply unwind.

A plaza would merge the West Porch with Palace Yard, Stonemasons Yard is incorporated into the Living Crafts loop and the Cathedral Barn given a much-needed renovation, possibly to house a handicrafts base.

Improved access to the Wye is one feature of the future Castle Green with its riverside walkways, caf and performance space.