THE green light has been given for a major revamp at one of Colchester’s shopping centres.

Red Lion Yard is to undergo a £600,000 cash injection to spruce up shop fronts and give them a uniform look, to create a “boutique-style” atmophere.

The plans for the historic thoroughfare also include a new “wall of light” next to WH Smith, to brighten up the yard.

The grade I listed Red Lion Hotel will be repainted.

Sovereign Land, which owns the yard, Lion Walk shopping centre and the Red Lion Hotel, submitted the plans to Colchester Council in October.

Director Max La Frenais said: “We’ll be investing a significant amount in creating a thriving retail hub, which is sensitive to the yard’s traditional heritage.”

Work should be completed by early summer.