Bold plans may see huge investment in Worcester's development - The Worcester Observer

Bold plans may see huge investment in Worcester's development

Worcester Editorial 2nd Sep, 2021   0

CITY councillors are set to approve major plans which could see £19.6million invested in Worcester.

Members of the Policy and Resources Committee will review revised proposals recommended by Worcester’s Towns Board on Tuesday (September 7).

This follows the announcement in June which saw Worcester offered a £19.6million investment from central Government’s £3.6billion Towns Fund.

In common with many of the 101 towns invited to bid, the allocation is less than the original amount requested, and therefore revised proposals have been developed.




The far-reaching proposals in Worcester’s Town Investment Plan focus on improving residents’ and workers’ skills; creating new jobs and providing opportunities for Worcester’s most deprived communities.

There are also plans to improve access and connectivity within the city and to increase opportunities for active travel.


“The next five years will see the most significant level of investment in Worcester within living memory,” said Coun Marc Bayliss, leader of Worcester City Council.

“This Town Investment Plan provides a strong platform from which we can create more jobs and improve the quality of life for local people.

“Together with our partners, we will work hard to attract additional funding where required, so we can fully deliver on this Plan’s ambitious objectives.”

At the Policy and Resources meeting, councillors will review funding arrangements and revisions for each project set out in the Town Investment Plan.

A bid to expand the offering of Worcester’s community centres, including those run by the Worcester Community Trust, to provide inclusive, safe and high-quality training facilities in deprived communities will be debated.

A second ‘Building Block’ construction skills centre is proposed for Dines Green, building on the success of the existing one in the Warndon Community Centre.

Funding for the proposed Three Counties Medical School on Hylton Road, a 4,000m2 facility to house nursing, physiotherapy and medical training, will also be debated.

As part of a plan to regenerate the wider Shrub Hill area, the Town Investment Plan will see construction of 450 new homes and the creation of 2,000m² of commercial / employment space along the canal.

It will also create a 3,000m² enterprise and commercial centre on the current Isaac Maddox House site.

The plan will deliver new and improved walking and cycling routes, including the planned new Kepax bridge across the Severn, linking communities to opportunities for employment, education and leisure.

Separately, Worcester City Council has also secured £17.9million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, which will be used to regenerate the northern end of the city centre around Angel Place.

Meanwhile £3million from the DCMS Cultural Development Fund will be allocated for The Arches Worcester scheme, which is regenerating the Victorian railway arches from Foregate Street railway station to The Hive and the River Severn.

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