Work has begun to transform The Moor in Sheffield city centre but while the makeover happens it is business as usual for one of the city’s busy shopping streets.

The Moor will get new paving, lighting, seating, artwork and planting. The project will use natural materials similar to those in areas such as Howard Street or the Peace Gardens, bringing the Moor area up to the standard and compliment the City’s other public squares.

Councillor Colin Ross, Cabinet Member for Employment, Enterprise and Development at Sheffield City Council said: “The Moor is going to see some significant changes over the coming years with improvements to the public square and of course the new indoor market. This scheme has been a long time coming and I’m glad we’re making progress on what will undoubtedly transform the shopping experience in the whole area. It’s business as usual at the moment though, we apologise for the inconvenience of the work but I’m sure everyone will be happy with the end result.”

The improvements will also include 28 brand new removable outdoor market stalls.

Sandra Barley, Centre Liaison Manager for The Moor Sheffield said: “I'm really excited that we actually beginning to build something. I truly believe that we are past the worst now and are building for the future. It’s very much business as usual down on the Moor, we are getting the Moor sign updated, have a fabulous tree on order and some great events planned in the period up to Christmas not to mention some great Christmas bargains in the stores here.”

The scheme, funded by Yorkshire Forward, covers the area from Cumberland Street, up to junctions with Earl Street including Earl Street and Holy Green.

The improvements will be completed by May 2010.