A NEW walking and cycling entrance in Worcester has been opened, as part of the final phase of The Arches redevelopment project.
The former Jaqk’s takeaway at 56 Foregate Street has been demolished and turned into an attractive walkway – fitted with planters and murals.
The work has ensured that the route between Worcester’s Foregate Street railway station and the riverside is now more appealing and safer to use.
Coun Lynn Denham, Worcester City Council leader said: “It has been fantastic to see this new walkway take shape and now it’s open.
“Visitors arriving in Worcester city centre on the train will no longer be greeted by the old chicken shop.
“Instead, there is an enticing route down past the historic Arches to The Hive and the riverside.”
The walkway is part of the The Arches – Worcester project.
In 2019 Worcester was awarded £3 million funding from the Arts Council’s Cultural Development Fund towards a £4.67 million project, with the remaining funds being sourced locally from a combination of public and private sector partners.
The initiative has already seen five railway arches redeveloped to create new spaces for creative enterprises. They now sit alongside existing hospitality businesses to create a new city destination.
Counc Adrian Gregson, chair of the Arches Steering Group, added: “It’s brilliant to see the new walkway finally open.
“We hope that this gateway into the Arches helps attract more independent food and drink, retail, cultural, leisure and commercial businesses to the area, along with giving a better welcome for visitors arriving in our city by train.
“Thank you to everybody who has played a part in the success of this project.”
Proposals for two vacant Arches made available by the demolition of Jaqk’s will be announced shortly.
