WORCESTER’S planning chiefs have been asked to approve to the final phase of the new £4.5million walking and cycling route from the heart of the city to the River Severn.
An application to demolish a former take-away on Foregate Street to complete the route has been lodged at the Guildhall.
Planning permission is being sought to demolish the old Jacq’s take-away and create a new pedestrian route along the city’s refurbished Victorian railway arches, which are already home to creative businesses, food and drink outlets, and more.
If approved, this will be the final phase in The Arches – Worcester project, which has been funded by £4.5million from the Government and Arts Council’s Cultural Development Fund.
It 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.
Mayor of Worcester, Coun Adrian Gregson, said: “The demolition of the old take-away and the creation of this new pedestrian and bike route is the missing link of project.
“It will open up an attractive new way to walk or bike from the station to The Hive and the river, and to discover the many attractions which can now be found in Worcester’s historic railway arches.
“Hopes are high it will also act as a catalyst to attract more independent food and drink, retail, cultural, leisure and commercial businesses to Foregate Street, giving a better welcome for visitors arriving in our city by train.”
The scheme will include improved lighting and the use of natural stone – similar to the new paving seen at The Cross and other recently refurbished areas of the city centre – to create an attractive new walkway.
Safety bollards will be installed at the new entrance, to stop unauthorised vehicles using the new route.
If planning permission is granted, Worcester City Council will make arrangements with Network Rail and train operators for the line to be temporarily closed so the building can be safely demolished.
Visit www.worcester.gov.uk/planning for more.
