Key Worcester figures ‘wielded’ a silver sledgehammer to officially mark the start of the demolition process at the University of Worcester ’s £120m second campus development.

The Mayor of Worcester, Stephen Inman and Councillor Alwyn Davies, the Vice Chairman of the County Council joined University of Worcester Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof Judith Elkin and Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr Martin Doughty, to mark the formal start of redevelopment work at the former Worcester Infirmary site, in Castle Street, Worcester.

As with all major projects, the demolition process, to be carried out by contactors DSM, will be phased over several months with works due to start in late January.

A public information event, to follow up last year’s residents’ consultation programme, will also be held by the University next week on Thursday, January 24 at 6.30pm at The Bradbury Centre, 2 Sansome Walk, Worcester, for any members of the public wanting further information.

The works will include the demolition of the unsightly 1960s hospital buildings whilst the listed Georgian and Victorian buildings will be preserved and refurbished. The refurbishments will bring both the boardroom where the British Medical Association was originally founded and the historic Jenny Lind chapel back to life.

The new University Campus will include a 400 seat multi use performance and conference centre, a centrepiece public square capable of outside theatre productions, exhibition spaces, student residences, restaurants and cafes. It will link through the railway viaduct to the planned University and Public Library and History Centre, which is being developed in partnership with the Worcestershire County and City Councils, to form a new Learning and Cultural Quarter for Worcester .

The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Stephen Inman, said; “Creating a new Learning and Cultural Quarter for Worcester will be at the heart of the City’s Renaissance. It coincides with some exciting multi-million pound developments currently taking place and planned for the future which will help to regenerate Worcester , raise its profile and place it firmly on the UK and international map.”

University Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green, said; “We want to breathe new life and purpose into this historic, beautiful yet currently neglected and derelict part of Worcester . Our aim is to create welcoming, first class facilities, which will inspire future generations into higher education. We will be working closely alongside our contractors to ensure that any inconvenience to nearby residents and the general public.”

Vice Chair of the County Council, Councillor Alwyn Davies, said; “It’s great to see work happening on site and to see the University developing a new second campus in the heart of the City. The fact that the site will link through to the new Library and History Centre will all contribute to the regeneration of Worcester . The development will help to create a stronger city and stronger county and bring a wealth of benefits to the region as a whole.”