Image: Leicester Square has been given a facelift

Leicester Square has reopened following the completion of a £15.3m makeover - one of the flagship schemes in London mayor Boris Johnson's Great Outdoors programme.

The refurbishment of the landmark central London destination is part of a Westminster City Council (WCC) investment strategy designed to improve public spaces and promote tourism.

Around 250,000 visitors a day flock to Leicester Square, which is regarded as the home of UK cinema and is the location of a number of international movie premières.

Leicester Square's appeal is expected to receive another boost next month, when the historic Hippodrome reopens as a mega casino and leisure attraction as part of a £15m redevelopment.

WCC deputy mayor Robert Davis said: "This ambitious regeneration project has breathed new life into the square and has given it a vibrant new feel which is more in-keeping with its international reputation."

Details: www.westminster.gov.uk

Image: Gayatri Suryawanshi