A shared space for vehicles and pedestrians is one of the ideas put forward for the development of Monmouth's Gateway site.

Three designs have been drawn up following public consultation on the area, which includes the old Monnow Bridge, toilet block and Cattle Market car park.

All three include the creation of a shared space scheme for the corner of Monnow Street and Blestium Street, designed to slow down traffic and make the area safer for pedestrians.

A narrowing of the other end of Monnow Street as part of a shared space trial was abandoned in February 2011 following public consultation.

The Gaetway designs also look at ways to improve access to the River Monnow, a new entrance for the allotment access road, a new 'amenities block' and a 'community orchard'.

Monmothians were given the chance to see the options for themselves at the Robin Hood Inn last Friday (1st March).

They can also be viewed at the One Stop Shop in Priory Street until Friday 15th March and online at http://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk">www.monmouthshire.gov.uk

Howard Bowcott, the artist behind similar schemes in Chepstow and Abergavenny, said: "This is about creating a gateway experience while not detracting from the bridge itself.

"It seems people want the area to change – they think it looks empty and run-down. It is important to people that we don't lose car parking spaces – at the same time as creating better accommodation for the market and other events.

"We have made one of the options more river-friendly by moving the flood bund back to create a nice space in which to sit and contemplate the river.

"The amenity block is deliberately vague as it allows people to tell us what they want."

Possible uses for the block include an information kiosk and a cafe as well as toilet facilities.

Chris Jones, who is working on the project alongside design team MacGregor Smith, said a shared surface would be a safer way of accommodating vehicles and pedestrians.

"It is part of all three designs because we really believe it is the best way forward for this site," he said.

"We would widen the pavement to make it a safer space for pedestrians and there will still be a kerb to help visually impaired people.

"The road will have a gradual slope and a change in surface – it is likely to be paved – to give people a sense of arrival."

More than 75 people visited the Robin Hood to see the designs last Friday.

"Some people don't want any change but most are not happy with the site as it is at the moment," added Mr Jones.