Phase One of Speller Metcalfe's Worcester Arches refurbishment nears completion
The first phase of an exciting refurbishment of several Victorian railway arches in Worcester by Speller Metcalfe is nearing completion.
The Arches-Worcester initiative, which has received an investment of over £3 million from central government’s Cultural Development Fund, aims to create a new cultural quarter for the City.
A number of railway arches located between Foregate Street, the Hive and the riverside are being sympathetically refurbished into studios fit for creative businesses. Under the terms of the Cultural Development Fund investment, the refurbished Arches studios must be let for creative and artistic purposes only. The definition includes professionals working in design, media and performance.
The first four studios are now almost complete and are expected to welcome tenants from early in the New Year.
Mark Evans, the University of Worcester’s assistant director, estates, who has led the development, said: “We’re really pleased to see the first four Arches now nearing completion.
"It has been a challenge at times, particularly in sourcing supplies and in working in a quite restricted space, but with lots of careful planning, I think what we have achieved is really special.”
All four studios have a kitchenette, disabled toilet, and spaces for displays. Accessibility was designed in from the start with all front doors being automated and a level threshold at the entrance.
Cllr Adrian Gregson, chairman of the Arches Worcester Steering Group, said: “It’s fantastic to see this new cultural quarter for the city take shape.
"The refurbished Arches will be ideal spaces for creative individuals and businesses to use in the New Year. The whole area will benefit from the increase in footfall which this significant investment is set to bring.”
The refurbishment has been carried out by Worcestershire-based construction firm, Speller Metcalfe.
Matthew Bailey, small works manager at Speller Metcalfe, said: “We are delighted to have worked the Worcester Cultural Partnership to deliver such a significant local project, which has garnered lots of positive interest from visitors and residents alike. Now that the glass is in place it has really brought the vision of The Arches initiative to life, and we look forward to handing over the completed project in the coming weeks.”
Worcester City Council, in partnership with the University of Worcester, Severn Arts and Worcestershire County Council, has been seeking an agency to market and manage the studios to prospective tenants.
Interest from individuals willing to share a studio or from groups wishing to share a space will be welcomed – in addition to those interested in occupying a whole studio.
A number of arches in the vicinity have already been independently occupied by restaurants and bars, a brewery, a coffee bar, entertainment and industrial design units.
Pictured: Cllr Adrian Gregson, Worcester City Council, David Green, University of Worcester, Laura Worsfold, Severn Arts, Matt Wood, Speller Metcalfe
