Plans for future of Worcester’s Shrub Hill Quarter to go on display

Worcester residents are to be given a preview of a bright new future for one of the city's most under-valued areas.

An exhibition at the Guildhall, running 24-28 July, will give people the chance to find out more about proposals for revamping the 14-hectare Shrub Hill Quarter over the next 20 years.

Visitors will be encouraged to give their views on the proposals to create homes, jobs and new attractions in the area, either by leaving comments at the exhibition or online at www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit from July 24 onwards.

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The exhibition is being held ahead of the preparation of a formal planning document that will govern the future of Shrub Hill Quarter, known as a supplementary planning document (SPD). A first draft of this will be published later in the year and will be put out to public consultation.

Worcester City Council is working together with Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership to create new long-term opportunities for the area.

David Blake, Managing Director at Worcester City Council, said: "The Shrub Hill Quarter is currently an under-valued part of the city with significant untapped potential. We want city residents to help us to make the most of the area's size, location, and its strategic rail connectivity and I hope they will come along to the exhibition and give their views on these exciting plans.

"Our ambitions are that, within 20 years, Shrub Hill will become known as a high quality and distinctive neighbourhood, play a significant role in growing our city's diverse and productive economy, and that the area will transform its connections both within the city and beyond."

Studies already undertaken suggest that, over the next 20 years, the Shrub Hill Quarter could provide:

• Up to 5,000 jobs
• More than 500 homes
• A new gateway to Worcester's city centre
• Two hectares of new public space

The Shrub Hill Quarter is defined as the area bordered by the railway station, Tallow Hill Road, George Street, Pheasant Street, Lowesmoor Place and Tolladine Road. It does not include the separate, neighbouring Sheriffs Gate development.

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A planning application has recently been submitted to create a new walking and cycling link between the city centre and Shrub Hill Quarter.