A �1m pound spruce of Whitechapel Market has started today ahead of next year’s Olympics.

The revamp is part a �11m project to rejuvenate High Street 2012 �—the main thoroughfare between central London and the Olympic Park.

The face lift is aimed at getting the area ready for increased visitors for the Olympics, the Royal London Hospital expansion, and Crossrail, while making it more attractive and safe shoppers and business.

Works at Whitechaple Market include improvements to roads and pavements, new lighting and bin storage areas, updated electricity supplies, and the provision of water for the stallholders.

To allow for the works to take place small sections of the market will be transferred to the other side of Whitechapel Road for short time periods, the council said.

Trader are able to choose between transferring for the duration of the works that are taking place in their section of the market, or waiving their pitch for that period.

The work is set to be completed by April 2012.

The High Street 2012 project have been developed by Tower Hamlets Council in consultation with the community and project partners English Heritage, Transport for London and the London Development Agency.

The �11 million project also include the restoration of historic buildings and the refurbishment of Altab Ali Park.

To find out more about this project visit www.highstreet2012.com