ONE of the most important spots in Worcester is in line for a major upgrade to make it safer and more attractive to tourists.

The area around cathedral roundabout, at the Elgar statue end of the High Street, is to be transformed into a pedestrian-friendly civic space.

Worcester City Council has pledged £300,000 towards the project and has started work with consultants on drawing up a new design for it.

Under the plans the roundabout will be replaced with a paved, pedestrianised area, benches and trees.

Just over 20,000 vehicles pass through the area - officially known as Cathedral Square - each day.

Leader of the city council Coun Simon Geraghty said: "This is a very bold scheme - we want to enhance Cathedral Square and make it more friendly for pedestrians.

"It isn't a basic pavement improvement scheme. We want to give the area a big lift and help make it a successful shopping area.

"We have earmarked £300,000 in the budget for it, but it is highly likely the costs will top that once we have drawn it up - it could reach up to £1 million.

"There is an issue about people crossing inappropriately, and we are in talks with County Hall to make it more pedestrian friendly without stopping traffic passing through."

Plans are at an early stage and it is not yet known how the road will be altered or what will happen to the existing bus stops and entrance to the NCP car park.

Up to £30,000 is going towards drawing up the design, with the focus on making it an attractive public space as well as maintaining it as a busy thoroughfare for cars.

Worcestershire County Council is also involved in the development of the area, and is currently identifying what funding is available.

The project is being described as "medium term", with no dates set on when work is likely to start.

Bids will have to be made for external funding from the likes of the Heritage Lottery Fund before anything happens to the site.

A spokesman for County Hall said: "This is something we have talked about a lot over the years, and we're looking at funding so we can make a contribution. We are definitely behind this scheme."

City and county council plans to replace the roundabout with a two-lane road were scrapped in 2004 because of lack of cash.

The city council is expected to approve the £300,000 funding towards the revamp at the Guildhall tomorrow.

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