SPELLER METCALFE APPOINTED TO £20M WORCESTER REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME
SHOF has appointed Speller Metcalfe as main contractor to the scheme, with work commencing in November and completion scheduled for Spring 2017.
The work focuses on redeveloping the southern end of the shopping centre, creating a new terrace level overlooking the Cathedral with eight new restaurants, a reconfigured Travelodge hotel, additional retail space, gym, coffee shop and new public square.
SHOF has already signed up several new restaurants including Byron Hamburgers, Cosy Club, Ask and Miller & Carter. Several of the other available units are currently under offer.
Existing tenants such as Pizza Express, Travelodge and H&M will continue to trade from the scheme with minimum disruption to shoppers.
The public square is being jointly funded with Worcestershire County Council and Worcester City Council. It will provide a new space for public events and for residents, visitors and shoppers to dine and relax, overlooking Worcester Cathedral.
Nick Webb of Salmon Harvester Opportunity Fund said, “We have been consulting and working on these plans for some time and are delighted to have appointed local contractor Speller Metcalfe. We believe that by providing a £20 million scheme extension into existing redundant space and bringing exciting new names to the city, we will be giving the shopping centre a brand new lease of life.
“The eight restaurants will create a vibrant new dining destination. By providing an improved leisure offer we expect to improve dwell times at the centre, which will benefit existing tenants.”
Des O’Neill, Managing Director at Speller Metcalfe said, “This is a fantastic scheme for Worcester, which will regenerate the existing Cathedral Plaza shopping centre and draw visitors into the local area.
“Speller Metcalfe is delighted to be a part of such an important scheme, and as a local contractor it is important to us that the project will provide opportunities for local employment.”
Worcester City Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Economic Prosperity, City Centre and Riverside Enhancement Councillor Marc Bayliss said, “I’m delighted that a local company has been successful in securing this contract. This ambitious project will build on Worcester’s growing reputation as a fantastic shopping and leisure destination. This is an exciting time for our city with a number of projects under way to enhance the quality of our city centre for all to enjoy. This welcome development will create a new vibrant hub expanding the city’s existing evening economy.”
Salmon Harvester Opportunity Fund is advised by DMR, Hartnell Taylor Cook and Johnson Fellows.