NEARLY 500 years of history looks likely to be wiped from the face of Worcester when the re-developed Lychgate Shopping Centre is given a new name.

The city's links with the historic Lich Gate will be finally obliterated when the complex is re-named, proposed as the Cathedral Plaza Shopping Centre Worcester.

Although nothing will be definite until the multi-million pound re-development is finished at the end of this summer, Chris Shaw, chairman of Worcester Civic Society, said changing the name would mean losing the history behind the name Lychgate.

"It would be a pity to lose the name because it's of historic interest. The original Lich Gate was a pedestrian access to the Cathedral," he said.

The Lychgate Shopping Centre was built in 1965, and the amount of demolition in the area - including the destruction of the mediaeval gate and Lich Street - led to it being dubbed by many as "The Rape of Worcester".

Former Mayor of Worcester Derek Prodger said he would be disappointed to lose the name of Lychgate.

"I'm disappointed that suggestion has been brought about. I think it's wrong to part with our character," said Coun Prodger.

The development, which will see the creation of six new fashion stores, will retain Sainsbury's, Monsoon, Jaeger and Top Shop.

Fashion retailer Next is set to be the anchor store of the new shopping centre.

John Kendrick, centre manager for Lychgate, said the name would be changed towards the end of the re-development, which begins this month.

"Cathedral Plaza is only a proposed name change at this stage - but I think it was a general consensus," said Mr Kendrick.

"Worcester City Council knows about the name, but we'll make the final decision nearer the opening date."

Mr Kendrick said Russell & Dorrell, which is closing for good on Saturday, would be converted into six new units.

In July last year, the Evening News revealed that Tops, which has masterminded the multi-million pound revamp, was in talks with other top fashion retailers to open alongside Next.

"One of the problems is that there is not enough shopping development in the centre of Worcester," said Mr Kendrick.

"It is only the department store that's closing. All of the other shops in the Lychgate centre are continuing to trade and they look forward to a successful spring."