Pictures: Telford town centre transformation begins as demolition workers move in

Diggers have ripped through the shell of the old fuel forecourt at the bottom of the Red Oak car park, which was closed after Asda relocated to its new superstore nearby in Malinsgate last year.

The work represents the first stage in the overhaul of the Northern Quarter, which will see the site of the former Asda superstore in the shopping centre transformed into seven retail units.

The car park, which is the main entrance to the store for visitors from Telford Central railway station and many drivers pulling off the M54, will be expanded to accommodate 913 car parking spaces thanks to the work.

Development is also underway on the Southern Quarter at the Southwater entrance to the centre.

Centre manager Chris Jones said work had begun – and hinted that new tenants have already put their hands in the air to claim space in the town centre mall.

"Work on the old Asda site has commenced this week, and will create about 70,000 sq ft of additional retail space," he said.

"That will create up to seven new large stores. The workmen are on site at the moment.

"You don't start building unless you have somebody lined up, although retailers often play their cards very close to their chests and will make announcements when they are ready."

The old store will be replaced by a landmark drum-shaped building and seven shops and restaurants.

At the other end of the centre, the Southern Quarter is also boarded off and ready for its overhaul.

That will ultimately see American-style restaurant TGI Fridays opens its first base in Shropshire, along with Italian restaurant chain Prezzo and the Handmade Burger Company.

The 26,500 sq ft Southern Quarter is to be built on the site of the former Focus DIY store or "Green Shed", as it was known locally, which was demolished in 2014.

The restaurants are expected to open in time for Christmas 2016.