THE leader of Worcester City Council has backed a multi-million pound revamp of Cathedral Plaza - saying people have been "waiting too long" to see investment.

Councillor Adrian Gregson also says the city would benefit from the Cathedral roundabout being replaced by a major public square.

As your Worcester News revealed last week proposals have been revealed for seven new restaurants, a gym, a new look for the shops that form part of the plaza and a big public square in front of the Cathedral.

The proposals have come from Salmon Harvester Opportunity Fund, which bought Cathedral Plaza in 2013 and says it could create 100 new jobs if it can secure permission for the revamp.

The project would spell major changes to the current roundabout to make the area much more shopper friendly.

A planning application is expected to be submitted to Worcester City Council later this year.

Cllr Gregson said: "I think that area has been sat waiting too long for some kind of investment.

"It's one of three key elements to the city, along with Sherriff Street and the Cornmarket, which we're very keen to promote as a council.

"I'm very happy to see we've got a developer on board, it's a very interesting and exciting possibility.

"One of our key objectives is to improve visitor management, do something about traffic congestion, improve shopping and effectively bring the riverside and Cathedral closer to the city.

"It's a very important site."

It follows on from the support of The Dean of Worcester, the Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, who hailed it as "a marvellous opportunity" last week.

He said the Cathedral deserves to be "surrounded by buildings of distinction", and that it would be the next logical step to connecting it to the High Street.

Nick Webb, from the Salmon Harvester Opportunity Fund, says the plans will include a "major public space" directly in front of the iconic Cathedral.

For many years councillors in both Worcester City Council and the county council have regarded the roundabout as a barrier to making the area pedestrian friendly.

Back in 2008 plans were mooted for a food quarter at Cathedral Plaza, but it fell apart due to the recession and the site was sold to the present owners.