DEMOLITION work will finally begin on one of Southampton’s most prominent shopping centre’s today.

Constructions workers will move in on the Bargate Centre this afternoon, as work begins on a long-awaited £100 million regeneration scheme.

Demolition of the 1980’s shopping centre - boarded up since 2013 - was touted to take place as early as last year.

But plans for its replacement were only finalised in January.

The site will now make way for part of the £100m Bargate Quarter development which will create a “terraced garden street” linking the 12th century Bargate monument to Queensway.

Developer Tellon will build 80,000 sq ft of shops and restaurants, accommodation for 450 students, 140 private apartments and create 200 jobs.