VINTAGE cars cruised down New George Street to celebrate the revitalised West End's £3million new look.

The regeneration, one of the biggest developments in Plymouth city centre in years, has been officially opened.

The eight-month, £3.2million project has transformed the West End with landscaping improvements, granite paving and 70 new trees.

A bustling space, reminiscent of Continental squares, has been created in New George Street, Market Avenue and Cornwall Street, with more space for outdoor markets and street cafes, and 90 new on- and off-street parking spaces.

New George Street has been opened up to traffic for the first time since it was pedestrianised 20 years ago, and vintage cars ranging from the 1920s to the Sixties from Devon Vintage Car Club, including a Daimler 1964 SP250, Austin 12/4 and Morris 1000, drove down the street in celebration.

The aim is to make the area more attractive for residents and shoppers, boost business and support the 200 Independent Quarter traders based in and around the City Market, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year.

The ribbon was cut by council leader Cllr Vivien Pengelly, along with Ray Robins, chairman of the Market Traders' Association, Cllr Ted Fry, Cabinet member for planning, strategic housing and economic development, and Duncan Currall, chairman of the Plymouth City Centre Company.

Mr Robins, who owns Express Goldsmiths, said the regeneration was a boost to independent retailers. "For the council to deliver this scheme in these times of financial restraint is a big pat on the back," he said. "Retailing at the moment is very difficult; the regeneration gives us an incentive to carry on through these hard times.

"We've got a future and we're hoping for big things."

Cllr Pengelly added: "It's been absolutely fantastic to be here to see all the hard work come to fruition. We're delighted we have been able to deliver this super new shopping area for the West End. Traders and shoppers are delighted and the council's really pleased."

Mike Thompson, service director for construction firm Amey, which carried out the works, said the company was celebrating the first anniversary of its partnership with the council. "It's the largest project we've delivered since the partnership started," he said. "It's the right sort of concept – innovative and getting the balance right."

The regeneration is the first stage in a vision for the transformation of the West End. In 2007 the Plymouth City Centre Company, through the Plymouth Business Improvement District (BID) initiative, unveiled a 20-year plan for the area as a shopping, residential, leisure, cultural and theatre district.

The West End Carnival and Lantern Parade on Thursday will see the Christmas lights switched on and a performance by Britain's Got Talent dance duo Stavros Flatley. There will be live acts in Frankfort Gate from 4pm, with the lantern parade from 6pm. Visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/ christmascarnival