Worcester’s growing retail offer and drive to become a prosperous city will come under the national spotlight in May when retail property experts from across the country arrive in the city.
Revo, the trade body for the retail property sector, is so impressed with the public-private sector partnership behind the new multi-million Cathedral Square development in the city centre that it has organised a “study tour” of the site.
The event has been hailed as a strong endorsement of Worcester City Council’s City Plan by the Leader of Worcester City Council, Councillor Adrian Gregson.
Cllr Gregson said: “We’ve set out a commitment in our City Plan to boosting Worcester’s attractiveness to businesses by working to ensure ours is a city where private investment is increasing and public investment is used effectively and efficiently in a joined-up way.
“The new Cathedral Square development is a great example of what we want to achieve. We’ve worked with developer Salmon Harvester, Worcestershire LEP and the highways authority, Worcestershire County Council, to jointly create a fantastic new retail offer and public square opposite our city’s beautiful Cathedral.
“Cathedral Square will redefine the southern part of Worcester High Street when it opens in the summer and the fact that Revo is inviting experts from across the UK to see what has been achieved here is a ringing endorsement of this innovative scheme.”
Cathedral Square will feature retail and leisure units spread over two levels, including an extension to H&M, a brand new Wilko and a new Fitness4less gym. Byron hamburgers, ASK pizza, Yo! Sushi and All Bar One are among the big names to have already signed up for new restaurant units.
Worcester City Council, Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire LEP have worked together to jointly fund the new public realm in the Square and the changes to the road layout that were completed last year.
Revo, formerly the British Council of Shopping Centres, is holding its Worcester event on May 18. Retail property professionals can book their tickets at the Revo Community website.
Pictured: An artist impression of the Worcester Cathedral Square development once complete.