Worcester city centre’s northern gateway has undergone a transformation, with vacant shops and flats brought back into use.
Buildings in the city centre, around Angel Street and The Cross, have been restored and given a new lease of life.
This work has allowed new businesses to open and improved the availability of housing in the area.
The scheme began after Worcester City Council were given funding under the previous Government’s Future High Street Fund.
The City Council’s Property Enhancement Scheme launched in 2021 and invited applicants to apply for grants of up to £30,000.
The primary aim was to rejuvenate empty retail, residential, and commercial spaces in the Angel Street and The Cross areas.
The scheme has resulted in the allocation of 15 grants totalling £423,138 - with an additional private investment of £706,750.
This has resulted in the creation of 19 new residential properties and 13 commercial units.
Councillor Robyn Norfolk, Chair of Worcester City Council’s Place & Economic Development Committee said: “The scheme has been a brilliant success, with vacant buildings being turned into vibrant new shops and commercial premises.
“This has provided an economic boost to Worcester and created new job opportunities.
“Furthermore, the transformation has greatly improved the look and feel of The Cross and Angel Street areas.
“The new flats and properties are also more energy-efficient thanks to better insulation being installed and modern window glazing.
“The interest and take-up rates of these commercial and residential properties has been good, proving the need for investment in that part of Worcester.”
Significant progress has also been made in the preservation of Worcester's heritage, with the refurbishment work on numbers 1/1A and 3 Angel Street leading to their removal from the Heritage at Risk Register.
This has included essential repairs to the buildings' frontage and roofs.
Additionally, the Angel Mall on Angel Street has benefitted from major roof repairs, allowing it to be brought back into use and leased to Dartside.
