Government awards £3m to transform Worcester’s railway arches

Worcester’s railway arches are set to be transformed into a major cultural destination for the city, providing a hub for business and creative skills development.

The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Jeremy Wright, has today awarded £3m in funding towards the £4.5m project from the Cultural Development Fund.

The funding will be used to create a key gateway for the city, following the line of the Victorian arches from Foregate Street railway station to The Hive and the river Severn.

Eight of the arches will be refurbished, becoming work and creative spaces, transforming the area into a workplace for creative industries, and a cultural destination for tourists and local communities.

A leadership and entrepreneurial skills programme will be developed to help graduates and others to find employment and advice on business start-ups, with 67 jobs being created and over 500 training places.

A ‘Festivals Hub’ will also be established in the arches, delivering festivals and cultural events across Worcester.

The funding bid was prepared by Worcester Cultural Partnership, which will match it with a further £1.5m.

Cllr Marc Bayliss, leader of Worcester City Council, said: “Revitalising Worcester’s historic arches is a key part of our vision for the city centre, and I welcome this funding that will help us unite our city’s heritage and its vibrant future. The arches will become a key skills training base for the city, a cultural hub, tourist destination and a new pedestrian key route.”

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