A MAJOR initiative to create a new arts and entertainment centre for Worcester has reached a significant milestone this week with the arrival of the construction contractor.
Scala, based in a historic former cinema in Angel Place, will host live performance events alongside independent film, visual arts, and a wide range of participation-based creative activities, as well as a programme of educational outreach and talent development.
Worcester City Council leader Coun Lynn Denham, together with Scala’s interim creative directors, Kitty Ross and Hannah Phillips, welcomed James Speller, managing director of Malvern-based construction company Speller Metcalfe to the city centre site.
The beautiful art deco building is now set to disappear behind hoardings for 18 months before opening in its new form in the autumn of 2026.
Coun Denham said: “When it opens in 2026, Scala will be a new centre for arts and entertainment here in the centre of our city. It will be something entirely new for Worcester, a creative venue focused on participation, live performance, independent film, visual arts and talent development.
“The vibrancy of our city centre is so important for the economy of all of Worcester, and our wider region. Our £9.68 million works to the beautiful Scala building will unlock private sector investment to help bring new footfall into the city centre and support the established business community.”
The project will see the renovation of the Scala building in Angel Place, which opened as a cinema in 1922 and was a popular entertainment destination until closing in June 1973. Since then it has been home to many different functions and businesses, with the most recent being a slot machine arcade.
When it opens, Scala will offer three main spaces – The Stage for live performances and other workshops, The Screen for films, live broadcasts, and talks plus, thanks to retractable seating and a spring floor, dance and exercise; and The Box for new and exciting digital experiences, workshops, courses and classes.
The neighbouring Corn Exchange, in Angel Street, will be regenerated as part of a second phase of the scheme and will provide food and drink facilities, and additional workshop and performance space.
The renovation of the former Scala cinema is being made possible by a share of the £17.9million grant that Worcester City Council secured from the previous Government’s Future High Street Fund. Planning permission for the scheme was approved in March 2024.
