King's Square in Gloucester was lit up last night (March 17), as the city council got a preview of the new fountains and lighting.

The council's cabinet got to see the culmination of 15 months of hard work to transform the square.

Cllr Richard Cook, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: "Cabinet is getting the opportunity to have a look and make sure it all works properly, just to see what a great sight it is.

"You can see all the colours coming out from the fountains and the colours on the seating around the square. There will be great opportunities to have the colours changing and the fountains running in time with music. It's a fantastic location for cultural opportunities."

Once fully open, the fountains will run from around 10am-10pm every day, at different speeds, and all water will be fully recycled in a tank below the ground.

Esther Croft, development director of Reef Group, which is working on the £107 million creation of The Forum and King's Quarter, said: "We couldn't be more pleased to see such an exciting display of the culmination of many years of hard work.

"This is just the start, because what we're going to be seeing next is The Forum coming forward, with the rooftop cocktail bar. Together, it's going to make the whole of King's Quarter a destination that everyone wants to come and visit."

The transformation of King's Square was carried out by Gloucester-based E G Carter Ltd, with around 20 men working on site for 15 months.

Mark Harries, associate director of E G Carter, said: "It's been a long time coming and it's great to see it all come to fruition now.

"The end is in sight, where it all opens up to the public, and they can hopefully enjoy it in the months to come."

Planting will be carried out in April, to give the square a final finishing touch.

Although yesterday's switch-on of the lights and fountains was just a test, there were plenty of families and children making the most of it - riding bikes and scooters through the fountains.

Punchline said: "It's very impressive. Kids were having a great time. There's a real buzz about it.

"There's a lot of joined-up thinking, with cultural and music works looking down on the square, along with the regeneration team and Kier on site. There is real connectivity behind the scenes that people don't see."

Main contractor, Kier, has now started work on The Forum - the largest regeneration project in Gloucester in a generation.

Cllr Cook said: "It shows how much is going on in Gloucester and how much we're delivering for Gloucester. It's a huge investment the city council has taken on. I really think we're on the cusp of something great for the city."