Plans are being put in place for the second stage of a major £19million city centre transformation scheme to begin in January.

First stage works are currently taking place in lower Darlington Street which - following a delay by Severn Trent Water in dealing with a water main in very poor condition - will now reopen to traffic by 21 November, ahead of the Christmas period.

The next part of the programme on upper Darlington Street can then begin fully in January, when works will also start in sections of Queen Square and Lichfield Street.

The overall scheme across all three locations remains on track to be completed in mid-2027 and will deliver high-quality improvements such as wider, brighter, safer streets; vibrant public events spaces; more trees, greenery and seating; and easy access for buses, cycles and taxis.

The aim is to stimulate more visitors and spend with businesses and act as a catalyst for further investment, while contributing to creating a pleasant environment to support and encourage healthy city living lifestyles.

Councillor Chris Burden, the council’s Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “These works will ultimately enable people to better enjoy our city centre from the moment they arrive and are the next step in our transformation plans that have already seen improvements in North Street and Victoria Street deliver positive outcomes for businesses, residents and visitors.

“Creating enhanced walking, cycling and dwell space, as well as infrastructure for events and attractions, and a better environment for city centre living is helping to boost the local economy.

“The works will also complement other transformational development schemes already underway or in the pipeline in the city centre, including the £150 million Interchange and commercial district, and thousands of new homes coming at Smithgate and Canalside – all helping to create hundreds of new jobs and further investment opportunities.

“In the meantime, I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while these critical works are carried out.”

Funding for the scheme consists of £13.5million from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) fund, £3million from the Towns Fund and £2.6million from the Active Travel Fund.