Architects have begun setting out plans for a town square at the heart of Lambeth to rival some of the most seductive public spaces in Europe and regenerate the area.

Brixton Central Square, as it will be known, would be an open area linking Tate Gardens with Windrush Square and St Matthew's Peace Garden.

Lambeth Council hopes the project will spawn a public space of "national and international" significance, make Brixton safer and encourage people to gather in the town centre.

The square is one of ten pilot projects chosen by Ken Livingstone as part of his 100 Public Spaces programme to beautify the capital.

The mayor of London's architecture and urbanism unit helped draft the brief for architectural firms. A panel including Lord Richard Rogers, designer of the world-famous Pompidou Centre in Paris, selected the landscape designers.

They were named last week as Gross Max, whose past projects include the new Bullring in Birmingham, one of the largest retail developments in Europe.

Gross Max partner Eelco Hooftman said: "Brixton Square could become one of London's most vibrant public spaces. While most of London is too reserved, Brixton has a buzz and energy which is both exciting and absorbing.

"The paradox at present is that while the sidewalks in Brixton are crowded with pedestrians, the fragmented open spaces are under-used. The task in hand is to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary."

Initial designs involve closing Effra Road to create pedestrian access, but further consultation will be done before plans are crystallised next year.

Councillor Andrew Sawdon, executive member for regeneration and transport, said the scheme combined with planned improvements of Streatham High Road would "transform the public realm of Lambeth".

Mr Livingstone added that it would act as a catalyst for regeneration, creating "a world-class square for Brixton."