The cream of European architectural talent is being sought to help transform a city centre.

Chichester in West Sussex stands on the threshold of major changes, which could dramatically alter the city's appearance in coming years.

Councillors and city leaders say they are eager to attract the best architects to turn their visions into reality.

Among the projects set to change the city are the building of a new museum and plans to construct more than 1,000 homes on the site of the former Royal Military Police barracks in Broyle Road and Graylingwell Hospital.

Work is also under way at the former Shippams factory site in East Street to build housing and shops.

Councillor Myles Cullen said the council is now launching a search for architects.

He said: "The challenge for many councils and public bodies is finding high-quality architects that we can work with on such a major scheme.

"We have therefore decided to draw upon the expertise of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in running an open competition by interview to find the right architects for the scheme.

"We have a wonderful opportunity on this site to achieve a high standard of building design, creating a legacy for the future of this city while delivering a cost-effective scheme."

RIBA will run the competition across Europe and will then present its own shortlist to the council.

The council's deputy chief executive Sam Howes said the contract would be open to anyone who thinks they can do a good job on the museum.

He said young, up-and-coming architects looking to make a name for themselves would find it an ideal opportunity.

Mr Howes said: "The city is undergoing major changes and we are looking for people who can help us with that. The population of Chichester does not want fast-paced radical change, they would rather see it more slowly and methodically done.

"But without a doubt there are some exciting opportunities and changes in the city and the museum project is one of those."

Referring to controversy in Brighton and Hove over high-rise developments such as the Frank Gehry-designed King Alfred towers, Mr Howes said "Chichester is very different and has its own unique character, which all of us want to preserve.

"We have the policy of nothing over four storeys and that is to prevent these high-rise buildings, which would alter the character of the city dramatically.

"We take the history and the feel of the city very seriously and that is something we will always consider very highly when we are talking about these plans.

"We want architects who can come in and make a lasting legacy for the city so we can look back in years to come and say 'yes we got that right'."