But yesterday St George's Road in Kemp Town, Brighton, became the first street in Britain to build its own village-style square.

Hundreds of Good Friday revellers enjoyed the party atmosphere as Brighton and Hove Mayor Francis Tonks unveiled the foundation stone.

It was the end of a year-long struggle by Roland Wallis, chairman of the Kemp Town Business Association, to raise £250,000 to transform this close knit community of traders into an urban village.

Crews from the new BBC docusoap Style Street were on hand to film the week's events.

Adelighted Roland said: "The street is now a village because we've got our own square.

"People here are so friendly and warm, it was like one already in terms of atmosphere.

"It's a huge relief now it's all over."

Fishmarket Square, so called because the car park was once the site of a fish gutting operation, was full of crowds enjoying the warm weather.

Two trees have been planted and a fish design mosaic laid amid the cobble stones.

But behind the neat geometric patterns of the square lies a huge community effort.

Roland added: "We didn't use an architect to design it. Everyone was asked what they wanted from the square and this is the result.

"We've even kept a few of the parking spaces which local businessmen use because they asked us to."

Builders from Brighton firms Integra and J Davies donated £13,000 worth of labour.

They started work at 6am on Monday and finished at 11am on Friday, shifting 40 tonnes of material.

Michael Davies, a partner in J Davies, said: "It was a mammoth task but we got it done on time.

"Eight men worked really hard to do this. In future I will walk past with a great deal of pride."

After Coun Tonks unveiled the foundation stone at 2.30pm bands, dancers and flag wavers entertained the crowds.

Style Street, to be broadcast in May on BBC Digital, will devote five half-hour episodes to this unique week in the life of St George's Road.

The Bill actor Peter Ellis and ex-EastEnders star Victoria Gould have agreed to take part.

As well as the square makeover, it will feature shopkeepers getting lifestyle advice from a series of experts.

Subjects will include decoration, astrology and aromotherapy.

Giles Pike, a researcher for programme makers NMTV, said: "The whole street has responded fabulously to being filmed."

The £250,000 was raised by business, private donations and council and European funding.

Roland said: "It's an unique thing for a community to do and the idea could soon be spreading elsewhere."

The square will stage concerts, parties and community events.

A carol service is already booked in for December.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.