WORCESTER'S most famous son is engulfed by chaos - with debris all around as street furniture is ripped from the ground under Sir Edward Elgar's watchful eye.
But the dramatic scenes opposite Worcester Cathedral will see the city have its very own 'Land of Hope and Glory' before the height of summer arrives.
Worcestershire County Council has now started work on creating a dazzling continental-style open piazza at Cathedral Square.
These images, taken yesterday, show the workers busily taking away benches and other street furniture which will be stored at a highways depot in Malvern temporarily.
A gigantic dusty compound has also been erected, so shoppers and tourists can safely walk around the site while the piazza is created.
Over the next four months an army of workers will be tasked with piecing together the open square which once finished will be ready for people to relax in, enjoy picnics and enjoy live music.
The Elgar statue will not be removed, and is staying in its exact location while workers tread carefully around it.
Jon Fraser, head of highways at the county council, said: "Our work started at the site on Monday and all the street furniture is being sent to the depot in Malvern.
"We are aiming to get it finished in the summer, and want to get out the way in good time.
"It will look really good when it's done."
The council's move comes at a time when investors Salmon Harvester is putting the finishing touches to its £20 million Cathedral Square shopping centre, with the units about to be handed to individual retailers so each one can be fitted out.
Yo! Sushi, Kung Fu, Ask, All Bar One, Byron Hamburgers, Cosy Club, Miller & Carter steakhouse, gym chain Fitness4less and Wilko will all go in and fit their units out.
All of them expect to open at some point this summer, by which time the open piazza should be ready for its official unveiling.
Yesterday a series of snazzy balconies were almost finished, with each one featuring short glass-fronted panels and enjoying spectacular views of Worcester Cathedral.
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