A high-tech lift that goes up and down when you speak to it is among the works due to be finished by the end of next week that will make Worcester's Guildhall more accessible to disabled visitors.

The scheme, which also includes extensive refurbishment of the North Wing of the grade I listed building, will be unveiled at a special ceremony at 2.30pm next Friday.

The works will include:

l A voice-activated lift, designed to accommodate large electric wheelchairs.

l A redesigned public entrance at the back of the Guildhall to allow easy access to the lift.

l A new reception area located inside the new front entrance.

l New disabled parking spaces at the rear of the Guildhall.

The building works also include a new oak staircase, repositioned walls and offices, disabled toilets, new heating and water supplies, a re-wiring programme and the levelling of uneven floors.

The project took nine months to complete and cost £659,986. It also uncovered a medieval wall in the basement area, believed to be part of the original Guildhall structure.

Worcester City Council's chief executive David Wareing welcomed the completion of the work and said: "Over the years the city's Guildhall has been adapted and adjusted.

"By making the building more accessible we have met our legal requirements under the new Disability Discrimination Act.

"The building has a long and proud history. By incorporating a lift and opening up the building we hope to encourage more visitors to the city's magnificent Guildhall."

Building firm Thomas Vale, based in Stourport-on-Severn, carried out the work.