WORK to revamp a Worcester shopping centre is finally getting underway next month, it has emerged.

Cathedral Plaza will start to undergo its multi-million pound make-over in a huge project which will see a new-look snazzy complex and square finished by the end of next year.

As well as the reconfiguration of Cathedral island, which has been ripped up over the last 10 weeks for a popular archaeological dig, the shopping centre will be getting a complete transformation.

Under the deal the whole area, including the shopping plaza, will be called Cathedral Square once the project is finished, featuring an array of restaurants in newly-refurbished units.

The overhaul will see a first floor terrace created featuring al fresco dining, facing out onto a new piazza style public square which can be used for public events during the year.

It has also emerged that the square's design has been based on a contemporary interpretation of 'Angel’s Farewell' by Worcestershire composer Edward Elgar, with the score of the music illustrated in the layout of the paving and street furniture.

Early next month the highway will start to be realigned, with a new turning area created providing two-way traffic, providing bus bays and taxi space.

An exhibition is being placed inside Worcester's Guildhall detailing the plans from Monday, June 15 with the images remaining on display until Friday, July 3.

Councillor Simon Geraghty, the deputy leader of Worcestershire County Council and cabinet member responsible for infrastructure, said: "The Cathedral Square project represents an exciting opportunity to revitalise what is currently a 1960s shopping centre, to create an impressive public square as well as providing better access and connectivity to the Cathedral and riverside from High Street."

Councillor Marc Bayliss, deputy city council leader, said: "The new Cathedral Square will bring a major boost to the southern end of High Street, helping traders there to enjoy the growing economic success that can already be found across much of our vibrant city centre.

"This will mean more customers for existing businesses and great opportunities for new ones."

For those attending the Guildhall exhibition, there will be council staff manning it on Tuesday, June 16 from 5.30-7.30pm, Thursday, June 18 from 11.30am-1.30pm, Saturday June 20 from 10am-midday and Tuesday, June 23 from 11.30am-1.30pm.

Cathedral Square's estimated completion date is the winter of 2016.