WORCESTER city centre is officially “future ready”.
Global real estate consultants Knight Frank has named Worcester among their ‘top pick investable towns’.
Their report looked at the top 200 high streets for their retail ranking – with Worcester 66th – and analysed the investment markets in them.
As part of their report, they praised the city council’s planning committee’s decision in 2016 to refuse Worcester Woods Retail Park as having ‘given occupiers and investors greater confidence in the town’.
Worcester City Council aims to mix the city’s rich heritage with quality green spaces, and to keep pace with the changing landscape of a 21st century city.
This has resulted in the securing of government grants for major capital projects including The Arches, Scala arts centre and the regeneration of Shrub Hill.
Meanwhile, the city council’s property enhancement scheme has helped transform vacant shops and bring properties back into use in Angel Street and The Cross areas.
City council leader Coun Lynn Denham said: “We are delighted that Worcester city centre has received praise from such respected industry experts.
“Despite the changing landscape of city centres nationwide, Worcester continues to thrive as a place where people shop, socialise, and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
“We also have a significant number of independent businesses who add to the vibrancy and uniqueness of Worcester, alongside some of the biggest national names in retail.
“Keeping the historic city centre attractive and welcoming is vital to ensuring local businesses flourish, and the city remains a top destination for residents, visitors, and investors alike.”
