THE SEARCH for a development partner to deliver the vision of ‘one of the largest regeneration initiatives in the region’ has been launched by Worcestershire County Council.
Shrub Hill Quarter, a masterplan jointly created by Worcestershire County Council and Worcester City Council proposes a vision for a new vibrant community and destination for Worcester.
This new mixed-use neighbourhood will be an extension of the city centre and preliminary studies suggest the area could provide up to 5,000 jobs, more than 500 new homes, a new gateway to the city and approximately five acres of new public space.
Working alongside the development team at Savills, Worcestershire County Council are looking to select a development partner by the Autumn of this year.
The principal focus of the early stages will be the delivery of Phase one which includes all the land owned by Worcestershire County Council at Lower Yard and Upper Yard, which is collectively known and operated as Shrub Hill Industrial Estate.
As a whole, Shrub Hill Quarter occupies an area of approximately 35 acres adjacent to the city centre in Worcester and is strategically located directly next to Worcester Shrub Hill Station.
It is understood that station upgrades will be delivered and service enhancements are planned for the area.
Available illustrations of the vision show a potential layout for Shrub Hill Quarter and how it intends to celebrate the area’s local character, industrial heritage and natural assets.
The commercial element of the masterplan will co-exist with new homes, concentrating around a re-energised canal and high-quality public realm.
Shrub Hill Quarter will connect to the city centre and Shrub Hill Station through a series of new pedestrian and cycle links through the area.
The Shrub Hill Quarter Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was adopted by Worcester City Council in September 2024.
This work has been undertaken in collaboration with Worcestershire County Council, Worcester City Council, Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and London and Continental Railways (LCR).
Sadie Janes, director and joint head of the development team at Savills in Birmingham, said: “This proposed development has the potential to become one of the largest regeneration initiatives in the region, offering a unique opportunity to transform a significant part of Worcester, close to the city centre and to create an exemplary mixed-use neighbourhood.
“Given its enormous and exciting potential, we are anticipating a strong level of interest among developers looking to be involved in this major regeneration project.”
