Salmon Harvester Opportunity Fund (SHOF) has taken a major step forward with its £20 million redevelopment of Cathedral Square shopping centre in Worcester.

SHOF has appointed Speller Metcalfe as main contractor to the scheme, with work commencing in November and completion scheduled for Spring 2017.

Des O’Neill, Managing Director at Speller Metcalfe said: “This is a fantastic scheme for Worcester, which will regenerate the existing Cathedral Plaza shopping centre and draw visitors into the local area.

“Speller Metcalfe is delighted to be a part of such an important scheme, and as a local contractor it is important to us that the project will provide opportunities for local employment.”

The work focuses on redeveloping the southern end of the shopping centre, creating a new terrace level overlooking the Cathedral with eight new restaurants, a reconfigured Travelodge hotel, additional retail space, gym, coffee shop and new public square.

The public square is being jointly funded with Worcestershire County Council and Worcester City Council.

It will provide a new space for public events and for residents, visitors and shoppers to dine and relax, overlooking Worcester Cathedral.

Nick Webb of Salmon Harvester Opportunity Fund said: “We have been consulting and working on these plans for some time and are delighted to have appointed local contractor Speller Metcalfe.”