IT'S business as usual at Worcester's historic Cornmarket as the area undergoes a major rejuvenation.

The £500,000 revamp of Worcester’s historic Cornmarket will deliver major benefits for businesses, residents and tourists by creating a more attractive and inviting public space in the heart of the city.

The main construction works started on April 1 and will last approximately 16 weeks.

The scheme will see the resurfacing of the southern part of Queen Street, the Cornmarket and the northern end of New Street, improved street lighting, pavement surfacing and tree planting, the addition of statues of famous people from Worcester’s history and new street furniture.

The aim is to create a space which is better suited to hosting events such as the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre, and to provide a more appropriate setting for the historic buildings which surround this iconic public square.

But during the time shops in the Cornmarket, Mealcheapen Street and New Street will remain open for business and the Cornmarket car park will be open at all times.

David Blake, Service manager for economic development and planning policy at Worcester City Council, said: "We’re working closely with the county council to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum and we’d like to reassure the public that the Cornmarket car park will remain open as usual.

"This investment in Cornmarket is aimed at making the area more appealing to residents, shoppers and visitors, so that footfall and trade increases. It will bring a significant boost to this part of the city centre.

"I’d like to thank local businesses in the vicinity for their patience while the works are underway."