Next steps in ambitious plan for Worcester’s Shrub Hill Quarter

A formal Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) sets out proposals for the revamp of the 14-hectare site, including more than 500 new homes, new public spaces, and the capacity for the creation of up to 5,000 new jobs.

The City Council’s Place and Economic Development Committee will be asked to consider the SPD at its meeting on 29 January, and to agree to the launch of a six-week public consultation on the proposals.

The area covered by the SPD is to the west of the railway line, and includes the existing Shrub Hill Industrial Estate, the historic Engine Works building and the railway station. It does not include the site of the neighbouring Sheriff’s Gate development.

The City Council is working in partnership with Worcestershire County Council on the plans.

Councillor Hannah Cooper, Vice Chair of the Place and Economic Development Committee: “The draft Supplementary Planning Document sets out ambitious and aspirational aims for the regeneration of the Shrub Hill Quarter, while also allowing for some flexibility as this scheme develops over the next 20 years.

“The City Council ran workshops and a public exhibition last summer to show the initial plans for this scheme, and the feedback from that has fed into the preparation of this formal SPD. I hope the committee will back the work undertaken so far, so that we can launch a full public consultation to give everyone the chance to have their say on this vision for the future.”

The SPD sets out clear expectations for developers who want to purchase land in the Shrub Hill Quarter or submit a planning application for the area. It clarifies where built development is expected to take place and, importantly, where no development is likely to be allowed.

The document also provides a coherent and integrated approach to the whole site, to assist in attract future funding applications to support public infrastructure.

The Shrub Hill Quarter lies to the west of the railway line, extending across the canal, and is bordered by Tallow Hill, George Street, Pheasant Street and Tolladine Road.

It includes several listed buildings, among them Worcester Engine Works, the former Great Western Hotel, Isaac Maddox House and Shrub Hill Railway Station. All of these will be preserved in the proposals set out in the draft SPD.

The City Council is also working on creating a new pedestrian and cycling link from St Martin’s Quarter, home to Asda and other shops, to the Shrub Hill Quarter site. The SPD sets out how the redeveloped Quarter will provide safe and secure movement for everyone, whether they are moving around by foot, bike, wheelchair or motor vehicle.

The full draft Shrub Hill Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) can be read on the Committee pages of the Worcester City Council website.