THE first phase of the �35million redevelopment of Dolphin Square has begun.

Diggers moved onto the Beach Road site on Monday, as work began on the 112-bed Premier Inn hotel. Construction was expected to start at the end of last month, but was pushed back to avoid disrupting summer business.

Vue Cinemas and restaurant chains Nando’s, Prezzo and Harvester, have already signed up to be a part of the new shopping centre, with Debenhams and Primark also in advanced talks.

The project is expected to create around 400 jobs when it opens in 2013.