IT'S been almost two years in the making – but Worcester's £20 million Cathedral Square development has officially launched.

While work will continue, with the development not set to be completely finished until the end of the year, the first businesses are up-and-running and Cathedral Square is open for business – with hundreds attending the grand opening celebration on Saturday (July 29).

The development, which began back in November 2015, has transformed the southern end of the High Street – with a new public square area created to the front and the landmark former Giffard Hotel being demolished.

Our picture gallery shows the changing landscape at the development as work has taken place over the last 21 months.