THE LEADER of Worcester’s Labour group has described the proposed SkyWalk as ‘visionary and ambitious’.
Coun Adrian Gregson said when Labour were in power they set the wheels in motion for the walkway when they asked how to bring the redundant railway line by the viaduct back into use as a footpath or cycle path.
He claimed money which was put into a feasibility review had produced the plans released recently.
“At the time we raised it at the Great Worcester Business Showcase event and talked about the potential with the local Enterprise Partnership.
“For me it is visionary and ambitious and could be something that brings visitors to the city.
“Of course the question is how to find the money but I believe that if it has enough support and interest and invention then the money will follow. It is a real investment opportunity for business and will bring some excitement to Worcester.
“It also enhances the riverside and the crossing of the river. It provides great views and opens up the potential for greater wheelchair and cycle access.
“While we must deliver local services and clean the streets, we should also be free to have vision and ambition, to develop things for the future – look at the success of the Hive; of the development starting at Cathedral square. This is another on that list that can make Worcester a great place to be.
Conservative MP Robin Walker said: “The Green SkyWalk is an exciting concept and I welcome the potential it offers for improved connectivity, disabled and cycle access across the city, particularly with the contribution to increased flood resilience that it could make.
“I hope that partners from both the public and private sector can work together to make this exciting prospect into a workable scheme that can bid for funding and I look forward to seeing the details.
“Along with existing developments such as the riverside cycle and walkways, the Premier Inn hotel on New Road, the Arena, the new St Dunstan’s skills centre and the Hive, this project can play a part in the regeneration and transformation of Worcester’s riverside.”
