First stage works on lower Darlington Street were completed in November ahead of the busy Christmas period.
The next part of the programme on upper Darlington Street, between the Waterloo Road and North Street junctions, is now set to get underway, with traffic and pedestrian access to be maintained throughout.
Works in sections of Queen Square and Lichfield Street will follow in the coming months.
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 lower Darlington Street, 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.”
Full funding for the scheme has been secured from external grants.
