DEVELOPERS have had their eyes on Worcester's Diglis Basin for more than a decade, keen to transform one of the city's backwaters into a vibrant waterfront - and, of course, make money in the process.

As long ago as 1991, the British Waterways Board revealed plans to revamp the area, but that attempt ran aground because of concern about road access.

Last year, a new scheme was launched for more than 25 acres of waterfront land surrounding the basin.

That included plans for 550 new houses and apartments alongside plans to replace a number of derelict and under-used buildings on the site with new offices and facilities for residents and visitors.

The sheer scale of the housing development - and continuing concerns about a link road into the Basin - prompted residents of the area to strongly express their concerns.

As a result, there have been changes to the proposals by by British Waterways and Taylor Woodrow Development, include a reduction in the number of houses and apartments on the site - from 550 to 459 - and an extension to the area of landscaped, public open space.

Now comes news that the detailed plans have been made public for a scheme that could create a vibrant and attractive destination to live, work and relax.

We'd urge as many people as possible to view them and make a considered judgement about what could be the most dramatic development in the city in this decade or the next.