The winning design consists of a number of buildings with grass roofs and includes an auditorium for film, theatre and dance.

The proposals also include the construction of a moat round the Castle Mound, leading to an archaeological museum, which will display the foundations of Bedford Castle, while a ‘food quarter’ will see a range of speciality food and drink products on sale for visitors.

There will also be a separate row of restaurants between Castle Lane and the moat.

The winner was decided by a judging panel, led by mayor of Bedford, Frank Branston.

Trevor Roff, Bedford borough council’s head of economic development, said: “The jury had a very difficult task choosing a winner from the six short listed entries as they all embraced some interesting proposals for the area.

We are confident that a scheme based on the selected design would help to revitalise the Castle Lane area and the council is now considering the best way forward for the development of this part of the town centre.”

The design competition attracted 69 entries, from which a six-strong shortlist was selected in April.

The six shortlisted designs were then displayed at Bedford town centre during May for members of the public to comment on.

The Castle Lane development area is currently used for car parking. It was cleared for redevelopment 42 years ago, but has since stood empty.