PICTURES: Elgar's looking dusty! Latest peek at Worcester's £20m Cathedral Square development

All week construction workers have been spotted ripping away more sections of the site as part of the landmark £20 million Cathedral Square project.

The painstaking part-demolition has handed passers-by, including thousands of motorists, a fresh insight into what lurked behind the old Giffard.

In recent days a mechanical crane has been seen digging away at the side of the building, shredding it down to the bare foundations for the first time in a generation.

A great big industrial-style compound, created to safely hem in an army of workers, has been filling up with mounds of bricks and mortar.

The huge development has also led to the Sir Edward Elgar statue being covered in soot, while shoppers have stopped in droves to grab their only ever chance to snap the site as it is now.

People across the city, who have taken a huge interest in the scheme, say they are pleased to see it pressing ahead.

Resident Colin White, of Chestnut Walk, 47, of the Arboretum, said: "This development is going to be the best thing to happen to Worcester city centre for a very long time."

Marie Roseman, of Worcester, emailed in to say the current destruction of old remnants would be "no great loss" to the city.

"I will be glad to see the back of it, it was an eyesore opposite the Cathedral," she said.

"This can only be good for Worcester."

The old Giffard Hotel, which dated back to 1967, was regarded by many as the city's ugliest building.

After failing to bring the luxury hospitality many city leaders hoped for it closed in 2003 with the loss of 50 jobs, before part of the site became the current Travelodge.

This work is paving the way for the creation of a continental style public piazza, which will sit in front of an array of new restaurants offering views to Worcester Cathedral.

Seven new restaurants will overlook the new piazza, making it a new 'foodie' destination, while a gym and remodelled shops units are also part of the deal for the newly-named Cathedral Square once open in 2017.

Bryon Hamburgers, Ask, steakhouse Miller and Carter and casual dining chain Cosy Club are among the confirmed names, as well as pub company All Bar One and the gym group Fitness4less.

Investors Salmon Harvester is sinking £20 million into the revamp, with Worcestershire County Council putting in £1.9 million.

Councillor Ken Pollock, the cabinet member with responsibility for economy, skills and infrastructure said: "Progress is being made at a steady rate on the new retail and restaurant units at Cathedral Square.  

"Like many people we look forward to seeing the completed site, which will enhance the city both culturally with its new public spaces and economically with a new vibrant restaurant quarter, next to the historic Worcester Cathedral and Elgar statue."

Businesses such as Pizza Express and the Travelodge are still trading as normal.