Gloucester city leaders have praised partners' commitment to the £95m regeneration of Gloucester's King's Quarter as safe progress continues during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Inside King's Walk, with more retailers opening and others preparing to return, contractors have been working to strip out the former BHS unit on Eastgate. This is expected to be completed in early 2021 with the opening of a major new flagship store.

Work on the multi-million pound upgrade to King's Square that was put on hold in the lockdown period, will be recommencing shortly.

Preparation works to the Square, which were paused in March, have now resumed including tests to check the strength and condition of the paving and foundations. Shallow foundations have also been dug out and the existing telephone boxes are being relocated.

Cllr Richard Cook, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: "Our priority during this time has been ensuring the health and safety of the public and our staff, and we have also been looking closely at how Gloucester is responding to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

"The role of city centres is rapidly changing, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, so it is important that work continues behind the scenes as safely as possible to keep Gloucester's transformation moving forward.

"With plans for the regeneration of Kings Square approved and progress being made on future phases of development, we are providing a strong platform for the city to respond positively to the new normal. The places we make and opportunities we create are a central part of this."

Following Government advice, the decision was taken by partners to pause work, but now it is set to begin again, with all the correct procedures and social distancing measures in place to allow contractor teams to work safely.

Ahead of lockdown, work including reopening the old subway to check its potential for reuse as part of the new fountain features inspired by the Severn Bore had begun. All work to date has been carried out by local firm Venturer Construction.

As much preparatory work as possible has been done remotely, including design and full costing for all suppliers.

Outline plans for the major regeneration of King's Quarter, which includes the Square, were approved in March 2020 and will see new cathedral view apartments and studios, more than 100,000 square feet of office space, hotel, gym, and new shops, cafes and bars.

Images of a vibrant and rejuvenated King's Square were also revealed, showing how the space could be used during the day and night, with cultural activities, live performances and pop up markets.