Construction firm appointed to develop major events venue

What the Scala building is set to look like (credit: Worcester City Council)

Worcester City Council has signed a contract with Speller Metcalfe to construct a new arts and entertainment centre in the city centre.

The historic Scala building will be reconfigured and regenerated as a major new cultural facility for Worcester through a share of the £17.9m grant the council secured from the previous Government’s Future High Street Fund.

First opened as a cinema in 1922 but more recently run as an amusement arcade, the Scala building will become home to spaces for live performances, film, workshops, courses and classes, and digital experiences.

Malvern-based Speller Metcalfe, a regional construction company and family-owned business will start work at the Angel Place site in early 2025.

The business plan for Scala has been created by the council working with a local consortium of some of Worcester’s arts, cultural and creative organisations: Dancefest, Severn Arts, C&T, The Kiln, Mobilise Arts, and Vestan.

Cllr Lynn Denham, leader of the city council said: “Creating a new arts and entertainment centre in Worcester’s city centre is an ambitious undertaking for the City Council, so it is a major milestone for us to appoint a contractor.

“I am delighted that we have been able to bring in a locally-based contractor to carry out the construction work and I look forward to seeing the high quality refurbishment that I know Speller Metcalfe will deliver.”

James Speller, managing director of Speller Metcalfe said: “We have worked closely with the Council to bring this scheme to fruition, and we’re delighted that we can now make it a reality for the local community. The arts centre will not only provide an exciting focal point for this part of Worcester but will create a number of local employment opportunities for businesses from both the city and neighbouring areas during the construction phase.”

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