A MULTI-MILLION pound revamp of Worcester's CrownGate Shopping Centre looks set to get the go-ahead after winning over city planning officials.

The proposed £3.2 million refurbishment aims to give the 18-year-old centre a 21st century feel, with new floors, canopies and lighting as well as modern street furniture' and integrated works of art.

The most striking change will be the transformation of Bull Entry, off High Street (beside HMV), complete with glass roof and new shop fronts.

The scheme was this week given the seal of approval by Worcester City Council's head of urban environment, John Wrightson, though the final decision on whether to grant planning permission still rests with the council's planning committee, which meets on Thursday.

"It is envisaged the proposed works will result in a modernised shopping centre that will serve current and future shopping trends in city centre retailing," Mr Wrightson stated in his report. "The works... should contribute to the overall shopping experience of Worcester city centre."

The planned revamp was first unveiled in your Worcester News in July last year, but has since been modified following suggestions from city planners.

The scheme focuses on the Chapel Walk section of the centre, which runs from the Broad Street entrance (opposite HSBC) down to Deansway and High Street, taking in shops such as Debenhams, Beatties, BHS and HMV.

CrownGate's planning application highlights Bull Entry as an area in particular need of improvement.

"The existing Bull Entry is substantially open to the elements, has a steep incline and poor retail frontage," the application states. "It therefore has a poor environment, is unattractive and does not function well as a retail mall.

"This scheme proposes to introduce a glazed roof to create a covered mall. The design will enhance the quality of the space and... will create a pleasant environment in which to shop, and remove the potential slip hazard of the current scheme."

Other parts of the centre would benefit from better-lit entrances, new feature' lighting and flooring, stylish benches and colourful glass roofs, in a bid to entice in extra shoppers.

The work would take about nine months, and would mostly be carried out outside of trading hours to minimise disruption.

A final decision on the scheme will be made by Worcester City Council's planning committee on Thursday.