A new public square and public realm improvements will form part of a £6.8m project to transform Sneinton Market in Nottingham.

The scheme, which been approved by Nottingham City Council's (NCC) executive board, aims to make the area more attractive to visitors, while also complementing the proposed redevelopment of the nearby Victoria Leisure Centre. Priority right of way for pedestrians will also be improved as part of the work, which will be part-funded through the council's Local Transport Plan (£2.3m) as part of efforts to enhance transport facilities.

The scheme, which will also receive £50,000 Growth Point funding, as well as contributions from the European Regional Development Fund (£1.75m) and the Single Programme (£2.7m), is expected to be completed by December 2011. Graham Chapman, NCC deputy leader, said: "The aim of the redevelopment is to create better connections in the area and to generate more attraction for people to go down to Hockley and towards Sneinton. Along with investment in the Victoria Leisure Centre, it will create a really attractive square and improve business prospects in the area."