WORCESTER'S £20 million Cathedral Square overhaul has reached a key milestone - with demolition work finished on the exciting transformation.

After a frantic few months at the iconic site, an army of construction workers have removed all the debris and started on the steelworks as the new-look centre takes shape.

Investor Salmon Harvester, which is behind the High Street venture, has also placed a 'viewing window' on the complex so shoppers can take a peek inside.

The Worcester News first revealed last year how the retail and leisure destination will create 100 new jobs, signalling a major sign of confidence in the city centre.

Bosses behind the development yesterday said Cathedral Square's shopping and eating offer is on track to open by April or May 2017.

Nick Webb, from Salmon, said: "We have an exciting line-up at Cathedral Square and are progressing well with the build.

"Worcester's residents will see the new centre really start to take shape over the summer and into the autumn."

Des O'Neill, the managing director at Speller Metcalfe, which is doing the construction work, added: "Living and working around Worcester, the Speller Metcalfe team know how important this development is going to be to help rejuvenate this end of the High Street.

"We're delighted to have reached a key project milestone and work will continue at pace over the coming months."

Seven new restaurants are destined to overlook a new continental-style piazza facing Worcester Cathedral, making it the city's new 'foodie' destination alongside the CrownGate.

A gym and remodelled shop units are also part of the deal to pull in even more tourists to that side of the city.

The list of names already signed up to Cathedral Square include restaurants Ask, Byron Hamburgers, casual dining chain Cosy Club, All Bar One and Miller and Carter, a steakhouse.

Gym company Fitness4less has also agreed to take up a unit, with Salmon still fielding interest from all sorts of other retailers for the rest of the site.

Worcestershire County Council, which led the work on the newly-reconfigured £1.9 million highways layout, will create the open piazza once the new-look shopping centre is complete.

Worcester City Council has also been involved, with both local authorities hailing the development as one of the most important for the High Street in decades.