Plucky underdogs are being given the chance to redesign the roundabout at the centre of Europe’s biggest tech community in a startling competition run by transport and planning bosses.

Old Street’s cluttered 1960s gyratory is being overhauled by Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TfL), in partnership with Islington and Hackney Councils.

And Islington is now looking for “bold” ideas for the central space that “embrace the spirit of Tech City” – from just about anyone.

The area currently houses the Magic Roundabout, a bar and fast food pop-up opened by Burger Bear in 2015 that was recently given permission to stay open until December next year.

Bosses did specify they would ideally like to hear from people who have some experience of fields such as architecture, urban planning, transport, art and technology, but have nonetheless opened the competition up to anyone who fancies it.

Islington will pay for the work, which will coincide with the removal of the roundabout to create a cycle-friendly layout with segregated lanes and traffic signals, as well as the reintroduction of two-way traffic.

The north-west section of the roundabout will be permanently closed as part of the works, creating a pedestrianised space.

Islington’s transport chief Cllr Claudia Webbe said: “This is a unique opportunity for an exciting, bold, iconic gateway – we are looking for innovative and inspiring ideas, which tap into the pioneering spirit of creativity for which Old Street is so famous.’

London’s cycling commissioner Will Norman said of the transformation: “It’s exactly the type of improvements that we want to see happening right across the capital as we encourage Londoners to travel actively for the good of their health and our air quality.”

The deadline for ideas on the project is January 29. Click here for more.