Work has begun on this £500m regeneration of Bristol city centre.

The Merchant’s Quarter project includes more than 100 shops, 12 restaurants, 240 residential units, office space and a cinema.

The development, which is due to be completed in autumn 2008, is being undertaken by the Bristol Alliance, a partnership between Land Securities and Hammerson. The main contractor will be appointed in the late autumn and is expected to start on site early next year.