WORK on a huge multi-million-pound development is continuing.

The work, off Sherriff Street in Worcester’s Shrub Hill, includes plans for hundreds of new homes and apartments, bars and restaurants, a hotel, a gym, a cinema, and a bowling alley.

The first part of the £150 million scheme by Sherriff Gate Developments, which will eventually see more than 200 apartments built, has passed the first of seven storeys with scaffolding in place to move to the third storey by the end of October.

Concrete frames were also put in place at the end of last month on another block next to Tolladine Road where more scaffolding is currently being put up.

As many as 50 workers are currently labouring away with 150 expected to be working on-site by the end of the year.

The work is expected to take four and a half years to finish.

Stennard Harrison from Worcester-based Sherrif's Gate Development said: “When complete, the £150 million investment in the revival of the city’s Shrub Hill area, will comprise hundreds of new apartments, including affordable housing, a hotel, a gym, a multi-storey car park, food and beverage outlets and a multiscreen cinema and ten-pin bowling.

“This huge project is a significant boost to the local economy bringing hundreds of jobs to the city and providing much-needed housing for the people of Worcester and the opportunity for local people to get on the freehold ladder.”

Work finally began on the huge regeneration in Shrub Hill in July after years of delays and more than a decade after the project was first mooted.