HISTORICAL features illustrating the rich heritage of Worcester’s St Martin’s Quarter have gone on display for the first time.

Workers have painstakingly carved into the ground to reach markings showing old railway lines which were once a feature of the site’s old vinegar works.

Diggers had to remove brickwork and then hack away at the surface to get a clear view of the largest and most impressive railway line track, which is around 20ft in length.

It is hoped the historical features will entice more people to go and take a look at the complex.

Selwyn Rowley, of developer Carillion Richardson, said: “It is pleasing to see new life in this area which was for many years virtually derelict.

“We hope that the many visitors to St Martin’s Quarter will be intrigued by the glimpses of the past that these features provide and enjoy their visits to this revitalised destination all the more.”

The complex was once occupied by the world’s largest vinegar works, Hills Evans and Company, which was established in 1830.

By 1902, the brewery buildings covered around seven acres with a huge network of underground vaults which have been preserved.

The old counting house, where workers’ wages were paid, was restored as the Asda entrance.

Eagle-eyed visitors to Asda will also be able to spot decorated cast iron railings next to the main entrance with elaborate scrolled back stands which have been carefully restored.

Fitness chain Fit4Free, Costa Coffee and bargain hardware store B&M are the other retailers trading in the complex, which is off City Walls Road.

A Ladbrokes betting shop was given permission to join them last month by the city council’s planning committee.

As your Worcester News revealed three weeks ago, a range of restaurants are also on the verge of signing up to the site.