City centre revamp gets under way

A schematic drawing of how Kings Square could look

A long-awaited regeneration programme in a formerly rundown shopping area in Gloucester is about to begin.

Interim work starts on The Oxbode, a main approach to the city's Kings Square, which was built in 1976 as a flagship project for the city.

More recently it has been heavily criticised for its outmoded style and tacky, rundown appearance.

Planners are hoping the work will mark the beginning of the end of Kings Square being seen as a 1970s eyesore.

Kings Square is a major focus for regeneration for both the city council and the Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company.

Some £200,000 is being spent on this stage of the project which involves re-paving the Oxbode.