WORCESTER'S emerging Cathedral Square will lead to a jobs bonanza in the city - with more than 400 people expected to find work because of it.

Worcestershire County Council says the current £1.9 million revamp - which involves an overhaul of Cathedral Plaza - will result in 416 new jobs being created once complete.

The figure, which is dependent on new restaurant and shops units in the plaza all becoming full, comes as council chiefs agreed to hand over £400,000 to ensure the work remains on track.

It has also emerged that plaza bosses have already pre-let 50 per cent of the available units after strong interest from a variety of retail chains.

The county council, which is splitting the costs with Worcester City Council and plaza owners Salmon Harvester, has formally signed off the cash sum to support two of the three different phases of work.

A new report on the spending says the Cathedral Square revamp will see 7,700 metres of floorspace, mostly overlooking the new public piazza, brought back into use.

The new retail or restaurant positions and the support jobs that it creates, means the council is adamant the plaza scheme will support "approximately 416 jobs".

Councillor Adrian Hardman, the county council leader, said: "I went to see the work recently and was glad to see that they are progressing at apace.

"I want to see a Cathedral Square that does more justice to its setting, and we've been greatly helped by the city council and the developer of the retail scheme."

Councillor Simon Geraghty, the deputy leader and cabinet member for economy, skills and infrastructure, said: "It's a great project in the heart of Worcester, not only in terms of making better use of that space but with the jobs it'll bring too."

The first of three phases of work, the ripping out of the island to realign the highway, is due for completion by the end of October.

As we revealed last week, kerb lines have been installed for two new, very narrow island strips, which look similar to pedestrian refuges and will form part of the new-look highway separating both directions of traffic and allowing for turning.

Extensive drainage work has also been carried out and new tarmac laid for the emerging square's surface.

The project, set for full completion in early 2017, will see a big European-style piazza created overlooked a new, refurbished Cathedral Plaza which will feature seven restaurants at ground level, remodelled shop units and a gym.

Byron Hamburgers, Ask, steakhouse restaurant Miller and Carter and casual dining chain Cosy Club are among the early confirmed new tenants.