Shining steel balls, a twisted metal ribbon and a black-and-white marble chequered floor are just some of the ideas being prepared for the transformation of the city centre.

Kevin Underwood, of designers Derek Lovejoy Partnership, recently showed councillors plans for a square in Broadgate largely for pedestrians.

The plan includes a black-and-white marble checked floor, and steel balls suspended in the air where the canopy currently is, with lights shining up from the floor on to them. There will also be an interactive water feature.

Buses would be allowed to pass by the front of the Cathedral Lanes Shopping Centre, but the current road would be transformed into a pedestrianised area.

Mr Underwood said the state of the architecture in Broadgate meant green screens would have to be fixed high up to block out the eyesores.

He said discussions were taking place with retailers to make sure that their shops were not blocked off from the public.

Mr Underwood said the controversial decision about where Lady Godiva’s statue should be placed had not yet been made.

The options are moving it slightly to the top of the slope leading down The Precinct or to another new civic square outside the council house.

This area, which would be used for processions, entertainment and other big occasions is to be themed on the ribbon-making industry on which much of the city depended in the 18th and early 19th centuries.

There will be a twisted ribbon made of steel along a pathway, which will be specially designed to stop skateboarders and BMX bikers from using it.

Another water feature is planned, and there will be up-lighting to show off the area at night.