THE multi-million renovation of a rundown city street plagued by anti-social behaviour looks set to start at the beginning of next year.

Fortis Living and construction firm Harper Group will carry out the £3.5 million work in Rose Avenue in Tolladine to build 25 homes and flats and a new row of shops.

Demolition work was approved by Worcester City Council at the end of November.

Fortis is also giving money to Hollymount School to develop a public play area as part of the work.

Marc Howard, regional development manager at Platform Housing Group said: "We are investing in one of the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods where the demand for shops is decreasing and the need for new homes is increasing; this scheme will therefore re-set this balance alongside meeting the needs of the local area and reviving this reviving this important gateway into Tolladine estate."

Antony Rees, group managing director of Harper Group, said: "It is fantastic news that J. Harper and Sons have been appointed to carry out the development of Rose Avenue in Worcester and we are delighted to be working with Platform Housing Group.

"This mixed-use development will bring much needed housing to this part of the city and by regenerating the existing commercial units will mean that further investment will be attracted to the area."

Fortis wants to revitalise the area after the rundown shops had become a breeding ground for anti-social behaviour.

The shops on both sides of Rose Avenue, most of which are boarded up, would be replaced with nine homes and sixteen apartments as well as space for two shops and a takeaway.

Of the flats and apartments, five would be offered as shared ownership and the remaining 20 would be built for available for rent.