WORCESTER'S most modern shopping centre is heading towards its next phase of refurbishment.

It is hoped plans to give the Cathedral Plaza a facelift less than three years after it opened in the place of the Lychgate Shopping Centre could attract more big name stores to the city.

Developments, if given the green light by Worcester City Council, would include a roof over the open area near Sainsbury's, access and facilities for the disabled and redevelopment of the part of the mall leading off Pump Street.

Owner Land Securities, which bought the centre from Top Estates in autumn 2005, applied for permission to refurbish the existing shopping mall earlier this month.