COUNCIL LEADER HAILS DEVELOPMENT’S BOOST TO WORCESTERS PROSPERITY
Councillor Adrian Gregson said the scheme would bring a big boost to Worcester’s economy, after being shown around the site by Nick Webb of Salmon Harvester Opportunity Fund, which is leading the new development.
Opening in summer 2017, Cathedral Square will breathe fresh vitality into the southern end of High Street, bringing an exciting new mix of shops, restaurants and leisure outlets alongside an attractive new public square co-funded by Worcester City Council.
Cllr Gregson said: “Cathedral Square is a great example of how the private and public sectors can work together to ensure Worcester is a prosperous city that can attract new businesses and investors to boost local employment.
“It’s exciting to see this fantastic scheme start to come together and to witness how the City Council’s investment is working alongside Salmon Harvester’s and funding from Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire LEP to create an attractive new destination in our city centre with fantastic views of the Cathedral. I’m sure it will be very popular with residents and visitors.”
Nick Webb said: “The new Cathedral Square is a real vote of confidence in Worcester’s economy by Salmon Harvester and it’s good to be able to give Cllr Gregson a flavour of how the completed development will look. Both of us are looking forward to summer next year when everyone can enjoy this great new boost to retail, leisure and employment in the city.”
Currently being built by main contractor Speller Metcalfe, the retail and leisure units have already attracted companies including Ask, Cosy Club, All Bar One, Miller & Carter and Fitness4less. The scheme will create 100 new jobs.
“The new scheme has already demonstrated the appeal of Worcester to some of the UK’s household names. As a local contractor it is fantastic to see money spent going back into the local economy, both during construction and when the new centre opens,” said Des O’Neill, managing director at Speller Metcalfe.
The new public space in front of the shopping and leisure units is being jointly funded by Worcester City Council, Worcestershire County Council and Salmon Harvester Opportunity Fund. It will be an attractive and relaxing new destination at the southern end of High Street, appealing to both residents and tourists.
Worcestershire County Council, with financial support from Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), has already completed road enhancements at Deansway, which runs between the new development and Worcester Cathedral.