THE £20m transformation of one end of Worcester's High Street has taken a major step closer to completion.

The multi-million pound redevelopment of the Lychgate Shopping Centre, which began in January, had centred on demolition work and gutting the old Russell & Dorrell site.

The facelift of the 1960s frontage is well under way and a new roof leading to Sainsbury's supermarket has already been built.

But the project moved into its final phase this week when shopfitters from retail giants Next came in to start "kitting out" their 22,000 sq ft unit.

"Not only will Next bring their full-range of products - including home furnishings - to Worcester for the first time, but the shop will include the most modern interior designs that retailers are using," said centre manager John Kendrick.

"Balfour Beatty has done a first class job to keep to the Lychgate Centre's tight schedule and it's great to see the work has progressed so well, and retailers are moving in on time."

Outlines of the new shops are now clearly visible, and the units are only awaiting the completion of stairways, escalators, lift shafts and shop-fitting.

Next will move into the ground and first floors, while H&M Hennes, Europe's largest fashion retailer, will take a total of 23,000 sq ft on ground and basement levels.

Both are expected to open in October, while Slaters Menswear, which is taking 9,000sq ft on the second floor of the development, will also open before Christmas.

"The exciting redevelopment of the Lychgate Centre will bring even more quality retailers to Worcester," said Mr Kendrick. "I'm confident that by spring next year there will be no empty units at this end of the High Street."

The impact of the facelift can already be seen, with four new shops - Lush in the High Street, Games Workshop in the Lychgate shopping mall, and Bakoo and Kitz in Fish Street - opening since the development was announced.