Work on a multi-million pound master-plan to regenerate Wellington’s town centre and boost the area is set to begin next month.

Wellington regeneration project was given the green light by councillors last night, signalling the start of phase one.

Councillor Eric Carter, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This is great news for residents, traders and visitors to Wellington.”

This first phase will see the town’s disused toilets, the former information centre and the 1960/70s extensions to Edgbaston House bulldozed creating a new pedestrian way.

The second phase of work won’t start until January 2010 in a bid to reduce disruption of trade for businesses around Christmas.

The new year will see work starting on Tan Bank, the footpath and utility works from Walker Street up to the leisure centre.

Major construction begins at the end of March 2010 before the swimming pool and leisure centre are refurbished in 2011. This also includes a new library, register office, entrance, cafeteria and first and second floor offices. It is hoped the project will be finished by July 2011.

Planning permission was granted with the condition the application be amended for the project to include CCTV. However, during last night’s meeting it was revealed the CCTV manager could not fund the project.

Councillor Hilda Rhodes said: “I am concerned about the CCTV. It is a big concern with people in the area.”

Councillor Malcolm Smith agreed CCTV was required.