An architect has created some AI (artificial intelligence) generated images to showcase what the future could look like for a town.

Jason Boyle from Rising Bridge has created some images using AI to show people what could be possible if Rawtenstall and Haslingden had the investment needed to transform the town. Jason brought his idea of having a glass roof over Bank Street in Rawtenstall to life through the AI images he created.

His vision was to create something similar to the Victoria Quarter in Leeds where restaurants and shops could spill out into the street and be used all year round.

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He also explored how Rawtenstall’s roundabout could be used as a public space with different ways to access the road with bridges and even created an image showing an elevated park above the roundabout.

Jason also looked at Kay Street and the area near Rawtenstall bus station. He also made an AI version of Deardengate, Haslingden in the dark to get people to envision what the designs could look like at night.

The images feature cobbled pathways, shops, markets and outdoor seating. He said: “I used AI as a tool to generate ideas about how places could be transformed.

“I wanted to remain sympathetic to Rossendale so I kept the cobbles and added plenty of trees which people seem to like. It looks more accessible in the evening too and there are shelters as it rains a lot.”

Jason, who has been an architect for 24 years, believes AI is a quick and easy tool to use to bring ideas to life.

He says it can help residents become more involved in the decision making process of what happens to their hometown as they can share their AI images with the local authority and other residents and discuss the ideas presented.

Jason, 51, continued: “When creating these images with AI, I was trying to show people what is possible. AI images like these generate important discussions.

“I think if the public engages with AI more and they see how easy it is to use, they can almost be involved in the design of their own spaces. AI can be done at a low cost and has a high impact.

“AI can only work on what it understands so I know these images are not an accurate representation of the town but it isn’t supposed to be. It gives an idea of how it could look.”

Jason says he hopes to hold an exhibition featuring the AI images he created and use them as a tool to spark a discussion amongst the public and the council and gather opinions about the ideas.

Jason was named as a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 2018 and became their youngest Fellow.