A NEW pedestrian crossing has been switched on near Worcester Foregate Street Station as part of a major highway upgrade project in the city centre.
The new signalised crossing on Foregate Street forms part of Phase Five of the Worcester Future High Street Fund programme.
The new crossing has replaced the original crossing near the junction with Pierpoint Street.
As this displaces the northbound bus stop on Foregate Street, works to move this further north with a new shelter, including a real-time information screen, will start in the next few weeks.
Phase five on Foregate Street, which will also include an upgrade to footways and public space with new natural stone paving, is scheduled for completion before the Easter holidays.
The final phase of the upgrade programme will take place on Angel Street and is due to finish in the summer.
The overall programme is part of the major regeneration of the city centre.
This revamp is funded by £17.9million from Worcester City Council’s successful bid to the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.
Previous phases have seen upgrades made in Angel Row, Trinity Street, St Swithins Street, The Cross, St Nicholas Street and The Foregate.
Worcester City Council’s joint leader Coun Marjory Bisset said: “The northern part of the city centre is already looking better thanks to the ongoing repaving and regeneration work.
“This new crossing will, in due course, help provide easy access from Foregate Street Station to the soon-to-be-opened new route to The Arches, and also to the Scala and Corn Exchange buildings, where Worcester’s new arts venue will be created.
“These schemes, when completed, will bring a boost to Worcester’s economy, supporting our local businesses and our city’s growing reputation as a tourist destination.”
Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills, Coun Marc Bayliss, said: “This is an important part of the wider project, which is playing a crucial role in improving public spaces and regenerating Worcester city centre.
“The area is going through change and we want to make it as accessible as possible, for everyone to enjoy.”
