A £28m makeover to create "a cafe culture" in Edinburgh city centre could partially pedestrianise one of the city's busiest streets.

The George Street plans, which are partly inspired by Las Ramblas in Barcelona and Boulevard Saint-Michel in Paris, are due to be considered by councillors next week.

Environmental consultants Ironside Farrar believe its plans for the thoroughfare would make it "world class and world renowned".

The report, which will go before the council's transport committee on Tuesday, proposes creating a segregated cycle route, widened pavements and retained parking in the New Town street.

It comes on the back of a year-long trial in 2014 when a two-way cycle lane was created, part of the street was closed to traffic and more space provided for pedestrians.

Edinburgh City Council transport convener Lesley Hinds, said: "The point of the trial was to create a more accessible, enjoyable atmosphere for all those who use the street.

"By working closely with residents and stakeholders we were able to assess which changes worked and which didn't.

"The lessons learned have enabled Ironside Farrar to create a series of all-inclusive design principles, and I look forward to seeing these developed further."

Ironside Farrar estimates the project to revamp George Street would take around six years, while it would require between £26.4m-£28.6m in capital funding.

In releasing its findings, the firm said the street has "has the potential and opportunity to re-establish its primacy as a destination within the city".

Ironside Farrar noted in the report that George Street suffered from an "absence of clear vision" as well as "poor quality paving and street clutter" but there was a chance to "enable the street to function as a 'street piazza' and new vibrant city destination."