Two Worcester-based creative organisations are offering exciting spaces for hire in The Arches, Worcester, to support the area’s ongoing growth as a hub for cultural activity in the city.
The new Scala Arts Centre charity is now offering the open plan space in Arch 27, Croft Road, for hire for performance, rehearsals, workshops, classes and events. Arch 27 will also be Scala’s temporary home while construction work continues on the new arts centre in Angel Place. Arch 27 will be a space to develop audiences, share work and ideas, talent development and creative networking ahead of Scala Arts Centre’s opening in Angel Place.
The Artery Studios CIC will also soon be expanding into Arch 64, by Foregate Street railway station. This newly renovated space will be offered as a flexible pop-up for a variety of creative uses. From pop-up shops and exhibitions to markets or hands-on studio projects, this space is designed to give creatives in Worcester the freedom to experiment, connect, and be seen. This unique offering will build on the success of The Artery Studio's Gallery, Studio and Workshop spaces housed in arches 28 & 29.
Looking ahead, in May 2026, Scala will use the Arches, the Hive and surrounding outdoor space to deliver its Festival of Play, a free and inclusive arts festival for families and schools. This is part of Worcester's Arts Council-funded Local Voices, Creative Choices programme that aims to connect local people to creative opportunities and the new cultural quarter in the city.
The Arches are part of a series of Victorian railway arches, positioned between The Hive and Foregate Street Station, that have been converted into affordable studio and office space for local artists, creatives and performers. They have taken their place alongside a thriving community of local businesses, restaurants, and cafes to create a new destination for the local community and tourists visiting Worcester.
The Kiln, which runs a successful co-working space in Worcester, had been managing The Arches on behalf of the City Council and helped find the original tenants. They have now passed the baton to the creative tenants to manage the hires directly.
Councillor Hannah Cooper, Vice Chair of Worcester City Council’s Place and Economic Development Committee, said: “The Arches is becoming firmly established as a creative destination in Worcester and I would like to thank everyone who has helped to bring life and colour to this area.”
Dr Hannah Phillips, Chief Executive and Artistic Director at Scala, said: “The Arches Project has been fantastic in creating a place for creatives in Worcester to work, connect and create, and we are delighted that Scala can continue this for the city with Arch 27.
“Not only will we carry on offering the space to hire to creative individuals and organisations but it will be a space for Scala to begin to share work and ideas, develop talent and network.”
Anna Best, co-founder of the Artery CIC, said: “The Artery Studios CIC has been built by the creative community that use it. It's been such an exciting few years for us watching the visual art scene in Worcester become a place for connection and collaboration. We're excited to see what the future holds for all of the businesses in The Arches and to bring Arch 64 to life as Worcester City's new pop-up space.”
Greg Smith, Director of The Kiln co-working space and F8 creative agency, said: “We’ve been thrilled to work alongside Worcester City Council, the University of Worcester, and Severn Arts to help bring The Arches to life. Watching the tenants transform the newly refurbished spaces into a vibrant destination for arts and creativity has been truly rewarding.”
The Arches Project, initially established with Cultural Development Fund investment from Arts Council England, was led by Worcester City Council, the University of Worcester and Severn Arts. A major part of the investment was the development of a series of creative workspaces in Victorian railway arches running from Croft Road up to Foregate Street.
Scala Worcester is a new arts centre being created in the city centre. The old Scala cinema and adjoining Corn Exchange buildings at the corner of Angel Place and Angel Street are currently being refurbished and will open later in 2026. Scala will offer live performance, independent film, music, talks, digital experiences, dance, workshops, exhibitions, festivals and special events.
Further information on Scala Worcester and Arch 27 enquiries.
