THE long-awaited multi-million pound transformation of Bromsgrove High Street began earlier today, (February 17).

The ambitious £2 million project is designed to give the area an extensive facelift.

Worcestershire County Council say high quality natural stone and granite paving materials will be used to create a new main level resurfaced walkway that, combined with new lighting, small trees and street furniture, will make High Street more inviting.

The Dryad and Boar statue is set to move from its position outside Bromsgrove’s main post office, to the High Street's junction with Church Street, while the Housman statue will move a short distance to become a centre point of a new town square.

The revised layout will also ensure easy movement down High Street on market days.

Work is beginning at the top of High Street, with the work separated into 40 metres stages. Work outside shop fronts is being carried out at night, to ensure minimal disruption to shops and customers.

The county council is estimating it will take 22 weeks to compete the construction work; finishing around mid-July.

The project is being carried out by the Town Centre Regeneration Partnership, which includes the district and county councils, the Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, Hereford and Worcestershire Fire and Rescue and West Mercia Police.

This stage of the regeneration is being funded by Bromsgrove District Council and Worcestershire County Council.

Councillor Anthony Blagg, Worcestershire County Councillor for Bromsgrove Central that covers the town centre, said: "It's an exciting time for Bromsgrove at present with a number of improvements taking place in our town.

"This latest phase will give us a high street we can all be proud of ensuring the area is very much open for business and moving forwards."

Bromsgrove District councillor for St John's, Rita Dent, added: “The regeneration of High Street has been underway for a couple of years but this latest stage of the works is the biggest yet.

“There can be no doubt that we are committed to building a better Bromsgrove and I am truly excited to see this part come to fruition.”

Meanwhile resurfacing work in Worcester Road is nearing completion.

Worcestershire County Council say they except the work in Worcester Road, to be finished in the next two weeks.

The work has been carried out in recent weeks, following similar town centre preparatory projects carried out last year including public realm work near ASDA and improvements to Clegg's Entry.

For more details about the Bromsgrove Regeneration project visit betterbromsgrove.com.