A £450,000 transformation of one of Reading’s key landmarks is almost complete.

The major facelift to Town Hall Square involves new paving stones, benches and bollards along with low-energy street lights to make the area more attractive and disability friendly.

A large London Plane tree was uprooted to allow workers to level the square and an eight-metre tall replacement planted in a purpose-built pit to make sure the roots do not break through the new paving.

In the next few weeks the iconic statue of Queen Victoria will be given a deep clean as the final part of the £450,000 project funded through the borough council’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF).

Work was due to begin last Spring, but was delayed after a Victorian clay sewer pipe collapsed five feet underground and Thames Water engineers had to carry out major repairs.

Borough strategic environment, planning and transport leader Cllr Tony Page commended local traders on their patience during the months of disruption, but said he was delighted the work will be completed in time for Christmas.

He added: “Town Hall Square is one of Reading’s instantly recognisable landmarks. This has been a major piece of work by the Council to give it a new look which will make it an even more attractive and welcoming location for residents and visitors to the town.

“Now that the work is complete however, we fully expect Town Hall Square to become an even bigger destination for shoppers and visitors, which will of course be of benefit to local businesses.”