Bulldozers move in on Arndale

About 80% of the centre's yellow tiles will be removed

Work is getting under way to redevelop one of Manchester's most famous landmarks.

Part of the Arndale Centre will be demolished and rebuilt over the next three years.

The work, which starts on Thursday, is part of a £150m scheme creating 75 new shops and a new glass frontage.

The redevelopment of the shopping centre by its owner Prudential will take place in the areas around the bus station and market.

Once the work is complete, more than 80% of the shopping centre's infamous yellow tiles will have been removed.

The city council says it is one of the last important steps in redeveloping the city centre after the 1996 IRA bomb.

The new Arndale centre will have a glass frontage

Previous work has included new developments at the Printworks, Exchange Square and Market Street.

Manchester City Council Leader Richard Leese said: "This tremendous investment is a further critical stage in the renaissance of Manchester.

"The £150 million from Prudential means there is now in the region of £1bn invested in the new city centre.

"Manchester is once again a world-class city and has created a successful and sustainable shopping destination that brings real benefits through jobs and income to local people.

"We are working in partnership with our many colleagues to build on our strengths and to make the city a great place in which to live, work and invest."