Cardiff Council has announced that construction work on the first phase of a new scheme to enhance the city centre's streetscape is set to get underway on 1 February.

The first stage of the project will see High Street undergo a complete facelift, involving the pedestrianisation of the area to create a new "Castle Quarter" and establish a improved environment for residents, businesses and visitors. Delme Bowen, the council's executive member for traffic and transportation, said: "High Street's unique mix of independent shops, banks, restaurants and professional services is an important part of its appeal, and the scheme will strengthen connections between the arcades and Cardiff Castle, creating a safe, attractive, distinctive and high quality environment for pedestrians."

Nick Griffiths of Curzon Real Estate Partners, which owns three of Cardiff's Victorian shopping arcades, added: "We believe this pedestrianisation scheme will act as a catalyst for a re-invigorated 'Castle Quarter', which continues to offer a wider shopping and cultural experience to people living and visiting Cardiff."