ESSENTIAL restoration work has started on a city centre landmark, said to be the most photographed building in Chester.

The £300,000 project will restore the elegant Bridge Street entrance to The Mall Grosvenor to its former glory.

The black and white facade of the Grade II listed building is undergoing a major facelift to replace old timbers and redecorate the ageing frontage.

The Bridge Street exterior has been maintained for a number of years by its owners, The Mall.

Working together with The Boulevard Cafe, they are now embarking on the restoration to preserve and protect the facade from further decay.

The work is being carried out over a four-month period with an expected completion date in early October.

Businesses will remain unaffected. The front of the Bridge Street en-trance was built in 1910 under the instruction of the 2nd Duke of Westminster. The original frontage had white and gold Doulton tiles, leading to it being dubbed the 'White City'.

This unusual decor led to public opposition and in 1911, following petitions from the public, Chester City Council and the Chester Chronicle, the

Duke agreed to re-build it in the familiar black and white style typical of the city centre.

The original Doulton tiles were later sold off to people through an advert the Chronicle.

'This early 19th century building deserves to be maintained to the highest levels possible and we are delighted to be investing in this famous Chester landmark,' said Julie Webb, general manager at The Mall Grosvenor.

'We need to respect the history of this structure and maintain and preserve it as best we can for the benefit of the community and future generations.'