THE designers behind Worcester's £12 million Skywalk project say it could create more than 500 new jobs - and insist they've been "delighted" by the public response so far.

As more details emerged on the daring bid yesterday, the firm which came up with the concept has revealed how the potential economic benefits have been arrived at.

As your Worcester News revealed on Wednesday, the 1,000 metre long walkway, which will feature the world's longest living 'green' network of flora and fauna, could boost the economy by anywhere from £55 million to £217 million.

The figure has come from Zeta Economics, a London-based body of experts which assesses the worth of regeneration projects.

The assessment includes:

- A rise in land value of all the buildings surrounding the Skywalk, including all commercial and residential units, and the knock-on 'trickle' impact of the wider Worcester property market from an improved city

- Extra tourism spend, including new trade for existing retailers and the assumption that new businesses will open up

- An assumed "social benefit" from less obesity, increased walking and hence browsing, and an added calculation for the greater affluence a significant new attraction will generate, including an assumption a new four or five star hotel will arrive at some point

The study believes a £55 million economic boost is achievable within the first five years but the rest could take 20 years to realise fully, if the full benefits are realised.

The jobs tally, including those involved in the construction of it, a bigger city tourism industry, and even extra roles created from general business growth resulting from a 'better Worcester' have been put at 138 to 543.

Mark Martin, from One Creative Environments, which has devised the concept, showcased it during a business conference at Malvern's Three Counties showground on Wednesday.

He said: "I've been delighted with the response so far - people are really buying into the idea which we've been really pleased with.

"There are a lot of benefits which can't really be evidenced so clearly, but if we get it right there is a lot the city can gain from it, it really will be very significant for the economy."

The pedestrian walkway would lead from Henwick Road in St John's, snaking under the railway line towards Foregate Street station past the Hive.

The company intends to submit a planning application to the city council this summer and says it could be built by 2018 if funding can be secured.