Salmon Harvester Opportunity Fund (SHOF), Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council last week celebrated a major milestone in the redevelopment of the former Cathedral Plaza shopping centre in Worcester. The £20 million scheme, renamed Cathedral Square, has reached practical completion and has been handed over to tenants for fit out, prior to a grand opening on the 29th July.
Speaking at a preview event on Friday, Nick Webb of SHOF commented, “In just over two months, the people of Worcester will be able to shop and dine at a new look Cathedral Square. As well as local media, we were also delighted to welcome delegates from Revo today, as part of a study tour focusing on examples of retail/leisure developments and wider regeneration initiatives.”
Matthew Meaden of SHOF added, “This redevelopment brings 10,000 sq m of floor space back into use, redefines the retail and leisure pitch in Worcester and brings much needed regeneration to this part of the city centre. We are delighted to be handing over the space to tenants in advance of the opening in July and are looking forward to seeing the completed scheme come together over the next two months. Worcestershire County Council’s contractors are progressing well on the public realm works and our tenants have some exciting plans for their shops and restaurants. Cathedral Square is over 95% let and has attracted some exciting brands, the vast majority of which are coming to Worcester for the first time.”
David Blake, Managing Director at Worcester City Council added, “The new look Cathedral Square will bring a big boost to our city centre economy, bringing in new business, creating great jobs and helping our vibrant city to attract more visitors and shoppers. It is good news for Worcester’s residents, visitors and businesses.”
Nigel Hudson, Head of Strategic Infrastructure and Economy at Worcestershire County Council, said, “The Cathedral Square redevelopment is about creating an attractive, multifunctional public space. This is a project that will not only build civic pride among residents, but also encourage visitors to enjoy Worcestershire, boosting footfall and providing benefits to local retailers.”
Des O’Neill, Group Managing Director, Speller Metcalfe, SHOF’s contractor comments, “Cathedral Square is an example of the commitment of the project team to deliver the very best in retail and leisure facilities for both the general public and visitors to Worcester. Speller Metcalfe has been proud to be associated with such an exciting development, which has provided opportunity for jobs and investment both during construction and through the new tenants.”
Beth Wilson, Head of Events for Revo comments, “We were delighted to visit Worcester; Cathedral Square is a shining and vibrant example of city centre regeneration delivered through successful public/private partnerships. Tours such as these are a fundamental platform for the retail property and placemaking community to share insight on development trends and showcase the true economic, social, environmental and cultural importance of our industry.”
The new line up at Cathedral Square includes Ask, All Bar One, Byron Hamburgers, Cosy Club, Miller and Carter, Fitness4Less, Yo Sushi!, Kung Fu, Starbucks and Wilko.
Cathedral Square includes a new public square, jointly funded by Worcestershire County Council, Worcester City Council and the Worcestershire LEP. It will provide a new space for public events and for residents, visitors and shoppers to dine and relax, overlooking Worcester Cathedral.
Plans for a grand opening event on the 29th July 2017 include: live entertainment; children’s workshops; Fitness4Less class demonstrations; live cooking demonstrations with celebrity chef Lesley Waters; cocktail making master classes with All Bar One; and an outdoor screening of Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone via Salvage Cinema.