England's heritage: Plans unveiled to transform tourism at ancient monument as modern urban sculpture wins design award

A woman and child play (right) against the backdrop of Birmingham's "floozy in the Jacuzzi", who yesterday picked up her sixth award, writes Nicholas Schoon.

The dramatic renovation of Victoria Square won the premiere President's Award and the design award among the Landscape Institute's annual accolades. It features a group of statues by Dhruva Mistry, the largest of which - the river goddess nicknamed "the floozy" - is towards the rear of the picture. The square lies between the Council House and the Town Hall, both Grade1 listed Victorian buildings. The renovation won praise for being modern, yet relating to the surrounding High Victorian architecture. Designed by the city council's landscape practice group with help from the Arts Council, it cost pounds 4.6m.

Photograph: Dan Chung