Shopping area revamp and co-working hub to get share of £10.5m council budget

Cash to revamp a shopping area and the creation of a co-working hub has been approved by Worcester City councillors as part of its £10.5m budget for 2019/20.

The council said the money has been set aside in next year’s budget to improve the city centre environment, reduce litter, help people facing hardship and support local business people, as part of its City Plan.

The budget includes £400,000 supporting a revamp of The Shambles shopping area, and £100,000 is to be invested in the creation of The Kiln, a new city centre co-working space for freelancers and creatives.

Meanwhile, £200,000 for improvements to the city council’s 14 car parks.

Cllr Marc Bayliss, leader of the city council, said: “This is a budget that will bring improvements to our city and support our residents at every level – from those launching their own businesses to those in need of housing and financial support.

“We are continuing to deliver on the ambitions of our City Plan and I am very pleased that a one-off allocation of £225,000 from our City Plan fund has been made to the development of a new footbridge that will link Gheluvelt Park and Kepax Park.”

Other investments to be made under the 2019/20 budget include:
£398,000 to improve the city council’s CCTV network
£236,000 on new temporary accommodation for people at risk of homelessness
£145,000 for solar-powered litter bins and more recycling points,  enhancing cleanliness and tidiness in the city centre
£77,000 to support local people who are facing particular financial difficulties and are struggling to pay their Council Tax arrears

The 2019/20 budget includes a contribution of £1.5m from the Government’s New Homes Bonus scheme, an award made in recognition of the number of new houses delivered in the city.

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