A MULTI-MILLION pound project to breathe new life into an “unloved” part of the city has been unveiled.
Salmon Harvester Opportunity Fund, which owns the Cathedral Plaza, has announced proposals to revamp the centre to help attract new retailers to Worcester.
The project includes the introduction of seven restaurants, which would overlook a new public square near Worcester Cathedral, as well as remodelled shop units and a gym.
An application is yet to be submitted to Worcester City Council, but the scheme, which the developer says could generate up to 100 jobs, is expected to be tabled later this year.
Plans had been approved in 2008 to create a ‘food quarter’ at the former Lychgate Shopping Centre, but the recession brought the project to a halt a year later.
However, following the sale of Cathedral Plaza to Salmon Harvester Opportunity Fund for £24milllion last year a new scheme was drawn up.
The company says it wants to regenerate the existing retail space in a bid to attract quality restaurants and retail businesses, including national names to the city.
They are also hoping to work with Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council to transform the roundabout between Deansgate and College Street into a new public square, which was welcomed by Adrian Field, manager of Worcester BID.
“We are delighted at plans for a good sized area of open space which is something very lacking in the city centre at present and we would hope that it will be able to host specialist markets and events,” he said.
“Many business owners and members of the public regularly ask what is happening with the centre particularly the former Sainsbury’s unit so it is positive news that there are plans.
“We would hope that any new businesses coming into the new development will compliment rather than compete with the existing offer the city centre enjoys, particularly with the proposals for the seven restaurants.”
Nick Webb, of Salmon Harvester Opportunity Fund, added: “Our proposals for Cathedral Plaza present a fantastic opportunity to regenerate a currently unloved part of the city to provide a new leisure offer and introduce a major new public space in front of the Cathedral.
“We’re working closely with the council and other stakeholders to ensure we can create the best scheme possible for the City.”
