Worcester heritage regeneration moves towards final construction stages

Worcester’s £26 million northern city-centre regeneration has refurbished heritage and vacant buildings, with its main arts venue now scheduled to open next summer.

Angel Place had become under-used, leaving historic assets without a strong public role and limiting reasons for people to spend time in this part of the centre.

Worcester City Council’s programme is converting the Scala and Corn Exchange into an arts and learning centre with three studios, a café and a bar. Scala’s charity is already delivering activity elsewhere: its Festival of Play attracted more than 6,000 people earlier this year. Construction on the Scala building is due to finish in November and the Corn Exchange in February, followed by power and access works.

Reusing existing buildings while community programming develops offers a staged approach other towns could examine. The centre is not open yet, and councillors must consider another £1.5 million after extra costs; visitor and economic benefits remain projections.

The council’s policy committee will consider the final investment on 1 September, ahead of works continuing towards a summer 2027 opening.