Work is starting to demolish a former Foregate Street takeaway and create a new walking and cycling entrance to The Arches – Worcester redevelopment.
The former Jaqk's takeaway at 56 Foregate Street, next to the railway bridge, is to be knocked down to open up access from the railway station to the Arches development beyond.
The new walkway will include improved lighting to ensure that the route between Foregate Street and the riverside is safe to use during the evening and at night.
This will be the final phase in The Arches – Worcester project, which has been funded by £4.5 million from the Government and Arts Council's Cultural Development Fund.
The initiative has already seen five railway arches redeveloped to create new spaces for creative enterprises. They now sit alongside existing hospitality businesses to create a new city destination.
The opened-up space will provide access to more Arches spaces - creating opportunities for independent food and drink, retail, cultural, leisure and commercial offers.
Place and Economic Development Committee Chair, Robyn Norfolk said: "It is fantastic that work is starting to demolish the old take-away building in Foregate Street, re-opening a historic route to the riverside.
"The work will create a safer walking and cycling access between Worcester Foregate Street Station to The Hive and the river.
"Once finished, the route will provide a more attractive welcome to the city from the train station down to the river.
"Demolishing the current building will also showcase Worcester's historic railway arches and railway bridge to visitors, allowing the beautiful design of the latter to be fully appreciated.
"We hope that the new Arches spaces attract more independent food and drink, retail, cultural, leisure and commercial businesses to Foregate Street, along with giving a better welcome for visitors arriving in our city by train."
The demolition plans for the old Jacq's take-away in Foregate Street were approved by planners last year and work is set to begin later this month.
Scaffolding will be installed and then the City Council will take advantage of a scheduled overnight railway closure by Network Rail between 15 and 16 June to install a protective screen between the top storey and the railway bridge.
Once the screen is in place demolition work can then begin without risk to the railway line.
The demolition is expected to be completed by the end of July. Paving and other works will then take place, with The Arches walkway due to open in the autumn.
The route will be car-free. Vehicle safety bollards will be installed and only authorised vehicles will have access.
The work is part of Worcester City Council's City Centre Master Plan, which sets out aspirations for the city centre for over the next 20 years and beyond. The objective of creating a movement corridor from Foregate Street to the riverside will be completed as a result of the work.
