WORCESTER'S £20 million Cathedral Square will officially open at the end of July - in a major boost for the city's economy.

Investors behind the long-awaited development have revealed how Saturday, July 29 is the day the complex will finally be unveiled to the public - allowing people to "shop and dine" while admiring Worcester Cathedral.

The Worcester News was given a detailed tour of the centre today, with an army of workers busy fitting out the retail units.

In just over 10 weeks the site, which now has a balcony offering breathtaking views, will be transformed into a new retail and food quarter.

The grand opening event will include a visit from celebrity chef Lesley Waters of 'Ready Steady Cook', live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, children's workshops and even a Harry Potter film on a large screen placed opposite the new square.

All Bar One will be offering cocktail masterclasses and the gym due to open called Fitness4less will have class demonstrations, organisers have confirmed.

The investors today said they wanted to "make a statement" with the official opening.

During today's tour they said 600 construction jobs and apprenticeship opportunities had been created with the development.

Some 339 tonnes of steel have been used, 415 retail jobs will be created once it is open, and there is just one unit left to fill.

It has also emerged how Starbucks will open a coffee shop on-site, joining Ask, All Bar One, Byron Hamburgers, Cosy Club, steakhouse Miller and Carter, Yo! Sushi, Jung Fu, Fitness4Less and Wilko.

Nick Webb, from the Salmon Harvester Opportunity Fund, said: "In just over two months the people of Worcester will be able to shop and dine at a 'new-look' Cathedral Square."

Matthew Meaden, also from Salmon, added: "This redevelopment brings 10,000 square metres of floor space back into use, re-defines the retail and leisure pitch in Worcester and brings much-needed regeneration to this part of the city centre."

He said it was "over 95 per cent" full, with just one fairly modest first floor unit still on the market.

The managing director of Worcester City Council David Blake was also at today's tour, and called the view from the balcony "bonkers".

He said: "It's just incredible. It's a brilliant scheme and I'm delighted to see it coming together."

Worcestershire County Council, which is constructing the open piazza element of the scheme, said it hopes it will attract more shoppers to Worcester.

Nick Hudson, head of strategic infrastructure at County Hall, said: "It's about creating an attractive, multifunctional public space.

"This is a project that will not only build civic pride, it will encourage visitors, boost footfall and benefit local retailers."

Contractor Speller Metcalfe, which was awarded a £10 million contract for the scheme, called the quality of the development "the very best".

Miller & Carter will take a first floor unit, as well as Kung Fu and Cosy Club, with all three restaurants having balconies offering diners views across to Worcester Cathedral.

Ask, Yo! Sushi and Byron Hamburgers have ground floor space, meaning they will be located next to the new open square.

Some restaurants are expected to start trading in mid-July, ahead of the grand opening.