WORCESTER'S new-look Cathedral island has fully opened to the public - signalling the completion of the first major milestone in the area's transformation.

Council workers today removed the cones blocking the turning circle and left the site after a mammoth project, which started 10 months ago with an archaeological dig, was finished off.

These pictures show what the site looks like now, with just two narrow strips of land where the island once sat and a giant hoarding erected around Cathedral Plaza so work can start inside a compound.

Worcestershire County Council has now handed the site to developers Salmon Harvester to revamp the shopping centre, which will be transformed and take seven new restaurants.

Senior figures at County Hall say they expect to take the land back in around 18 months to complete the work, putting down new street furniture and creating an open piazza, with the area being renamed 'Cathedral Square'.

Councillor Simon Geraghty, the deputy leader and cabinet member for economy, skills and infrastructure, said: "I'm delighted this first phase of the scheme has been completed on time and to budget, and with minimal disruption for such a high-profile city centre scheme.

"I now look forward to the development of the retail and leisure element of the overall project over the next year or so, before we return to finalise the new pedestrian square."

Jon Fraser, the council's highways spokesman, said he was "delighted" with the scheme - especially considering the roadworks only started in June.

"We're very pleased with how it's gone, especially when you consider the site is right in the middle of town," he said.

Worcester MP Robin Walker said: "It's great for Worcester, it'll make the city even more attractive to residents, visitors and shoppers, it's been a big effort so I'm delighted."

The hoarding around the plaza will be updated over the coming months with new plans and drawings to offer people a glimpse of what the finished centre will look like.

Work on the piazza will start in the spring or summer of 2017 and be finished by the end of that year, with the council basing its appearance on 'Angel's Farewell' by Sir Edward Elgar.

The score of the music will be interpreted in the layout of the paving and through the positions of street furniture, complementing the Elgar statue facing Worcester Cathedral.

Byron Hamburgers, Ask, steakhouse Miller and Carter and casual dining chain Cosy Club are among the seven restaurants signed up so far, with the promise of al fresco dining overlooking the square.

A new gym and remodelled shop units will also feature in the shopping complex as part of its £1.9 million overhaul.