Corn Exchange set to come back to life as part of Scala arts centre
The refurbishment of Worcester’s historic Corn Exchange building is set to start in April, following a decision by Worcester city councillors.
The Grade II listed building, closed since 2013, will reopen as part of Scala arts centre. Boasting a stunning glass vaulted and with the capacity to accommodate 200 people, the Corn Exchange will become a new destination for food, drink and entertainment as part of Scala’s programme.
Worcester City Council will be awarding the £2.6m construction contract to local firm Speller Metcalfe Malvern Limited, who are already well underway with the refurbishment of the main Scala building next door.
The Council’s Policy and Resources Committee gave the go-ahead to the work at its meeting last night (24 March), and the construction programme is now set to run from April to November.
This second phase of works to create the new Scala arts centre was subject to Government funding being released. With this now confirmed and all designs and costings in place, the works to Corn Exchange can get underway.
The creation of Scala arts centre brings back to life two important heritage buildings for Worcester and aims to stimulate wider regeneration in this part of the city.
The main Scala building in Angel Place will offer three different studio spaces, while the adjoining Corn Exchange building in Angel Street will serve food and drink to customers and also provide a further performance space. Additionally, a new outdoor events space will be created in Angel Place.
The Policy and Resources Committee also approved the refurbishment of neighbouring no. 6 Angel Place, to provide co-working space for Scala staff and other creatives in the city.
Councillor Lynn Denham, Leader of the Council and Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to give the go-ahead to the Corn Exchange refurbishment. I know that many Worcester residents, myself included, have very happy memories of the building and will be delighted to see it back in use again.
“The Corn Exchange is essential to the development of Scala arts centre as a fantastic new destination in the heart of Worcester’s city centre. Scala will offer so many opportunities for local people and visitors to the city. Exciting cultural and creative experiences help bring people together, support our health and wellbeing and our sense of pride in Worcester.”
Ian Archer, Scala Arts Centre Chair of Trustees, said: “The restoration of the Corn Exchange marks a hugely exciting moment for Worcester. Bringing this amazing and beautiful building back to life preserves an important part of the city of Worcester’s heritage, and will reimagine it for a new generation. As part of Scala arts centre, it will create new opportunities for the community, audiences, and local businesses.
“This investment will help strengthen Worcester’s cultural offer, drive footfall in the city centre and contribute to a more dynamic and thriving local economy. We’re proud to be playing a role in helping to breathe new life into such an iconic space.”
Mark Hudgeon, regional director at Speller Metcalfe, added: “We’re delighted that works are getting underway at the historic Corn Exchange. Scala is already shaping up to be a fantastic arts space, and the addition of the Corn Exchange will further enhance it, creating a strong cultural venue that will benefit both the Worcester community and the wider region.”
The Scala project has been made possible through Government funding and City Council investment. The initial regeneration funding was awarded through the Future High Streets Fund programme. This second phase of work is supported by a Cultural Funding grant from the Government, with additional contributions from the City Council.
Crown Passage, which runs between Angel Street and Broad Street, will be closed for part of the construction period, with agreement from the Crown Hotel.