Diggers today moved into the centre of Gloucester to begin one of the most important regeneration schemes the city has seen in recent times.

Work has started on the Barbican car park, which is now closed, to turn the site into student accommodation as part of the £135 million regeneration of Gloucester's Quayside and Blackfriars areas.

The accommodation will be provided in a mix of townhouses, cluster flats and studio bedrooms across four blocks, together with ancillary supporting areas.

In total, it will comprise 295 bedrooms. Under the new scheme, the general public will have access through the site via a pedestrianised street that will link Barbican Way to Ladybellgate Street.

A newly-laid out car park with entrance from Barbican Way will provide nearly 100 additional spaces for general public use. Nearby, work is already well under way to refurbish Shire Hall and turn the former magistrates court into a new adults and children's services hub.

As well as transforming this rundown area of the city it will create a significant number of jobs both through construction and apprenticeships.

The new accommodation for students is expected to provide a major boost for Gloucester's day-time and night-time economy.