Work set to start on new plaza - The Worcester Observer

Work set to start on new plaza

Worcester Editorial 18th Feb, 2015 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

PREPARATIONS ahead of the start of a multi-million pound project to transform Cathedral Plaza will begin next week.

The shopping centre is set to be revamped with the introduction of seven restaurants, while the roundabout opposite Worcester Cathedral will also be reduced in size.

But before the scheme can begin, a three-day radar survey of the roundabout will take place to search for signs of archaeological remains on the site.

While this takes place on Monday, February 23, traffic management will be put in place on the roundabout between 9.30am and 3.30pm.




Coun John Smith, cabinet member for Highways at the county council, said: “This will be the first on the ground work for this exciting scheme that will bring a real boost to Worcester’s city centre.

“This first round of work is of an investigative nature, but it is the start of the process to create a wonderful new public space in front of the Cathedral.


“The survey, starting on February 23 and lasting for three days, will need to operate under traffic management but the teams will be doing this outside of peak traffic hours to reduce possible disruption for motorists.”

One traffic lane around the island will be closed during one night in the week between midnight and 6am – commencing February 23 to allow a protective fence to be put up.

Two trees will also be removed from the site in order to prepare for future excavation work before being re-planted as part of the completed scheme next year.

Coun Marc Bayliss, cabinet member for economic prosperity at the city council, said: “This scheme will bring major benefits to our city centre so it will be very exciting to see the start of these first steps towards the revival of the southern end of High Street.

“I am pleased that an approach has been found that will keep traffic disruption to a minimum while this work is carried out.”

Following completion of the radar survey, a full archaeological excavation of the traffic island will begin in the week commencing March 2, which is expected to last ten weeks.

During this time, a small section of one of the lanes will be closed off to house a skip, but highways bosses expect this to have a minimal impact on traffic flows around the island.

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