FLOODLIGHTS were switched on this week to herald the completion of a £1.4m refurbishment of historic Victoria Square.

Stunning red brick architecture - hailed among the best in Widnes - has been illuminated with subtle modern lighting as part of a major regeneration project.

The old Town Hall, the belfry of St Paul's Church and the former Co-op building will be floodlit every evening to encourage more people to visit the new paved plaza.

Cllr Tony McDermott, leader of the council, told assembled guests at the lighting ceremony: "We're here to celebrate the rebirth of Victoria Square and its ongoing transformation from something of a backwater into a truly impressive civic space."

Work to convert Victoria Square into a continental piazza started exactly a year ago.

The council says the previous design with sunken gardens and a fountain was difficult to maintain and suffered extensive vandalism.

The new look, using natural materials and stainless steel lamps and benches, was chosen to make the area a vibrant focal point.

Cllr Rob Polhill, board member for planning, said: "Our vision was to develop a modern, stylish area which overlooks some of the most beautiful buildings in Widnes.

"I hope people will enjoy the plaza, especially now the dark evenings are drawing near. We have illuminated the buildings and added modern up lighting to the plaza's paving which should create a stunning effect."