The Hopmarket Charity, Worcester City Council, and Platform Housing Group have today confirmed a shared commitment to securing a vibrant and sustainable future for the Hopmarket building at the heart of Worcester city centre.
The Hopmarket is a prominent Grade II listed landmark made up of residential flats and commercial units. Independent building and property maintenance surveys have confirmed that, in its current form, the building cannot be sustained long term and requires investment in the building fabric.
Recognising both the challenges and the opportunity, The Hopmarket Charity, the building’s freeholder — supported by Worcester City Council in its governance and civic leadership role — has determined that progressing the sale and regeneration of the building offers the clearest pathway to safeguard its heritage and unlock its full potential as a thriving city-centre destination.
This next chapter will create the opportunity for significant external investment, enabling the building to be restored, reimagined and repositioned as an integral part of a vibrant, evolving Worcester city centre. The ambition is to ensure that the Hopmarket continues to contribute to the city’s economic vitality, cultural heritage and long-term growth.
As part of this transition, Platform Housing Group as building leaseholder will surrender its lease on the residential element and will support its tenants through a planned and phased move to suitable alternative homes. There are no immediate move deadlines, and residents are being informed directly and supported throughout the process.
The Hopmarket Charity will engage directly with commercial leaseholders, who run shops and other businesses on the site, as plans progress. Any future redevelopment proposals will be subject to planning processes and further engagement to ensure they reflect the aspirations of the city and its communities.
Bill Simpson MBE, Chair of The Hopmarket Charity, and Councillor Lynn Denham, Leader of Worcester City Council, said:
“The Hopmarket occupies a unique and important place in Worcester’s city centre. This decision is about ensuring that the building has a strong and sustainable future. The charity trustees have reluctantly concluded that they are no longer best-placed to manage this important site and that it needs new investment to secure its regeneration and preserve its heritage while strengthening its role at the heart of a vibrant and growing city.”
Marion Duffy, Chief Operations Officer at Platform Housing Group, said:
“We know this is people’s homes — and that makes this deeply personal. Our priority is to make sure every customer feels informed, supported and secure throughout what comes next.
“We fully support the approach being taken by The Hopmarket Charity and Worcester City Council to secure a sustainable future for the building. Our role is to make sure our customers are treated fairly and supported with care as that future takes shape.
“We have already begun face-to-face meetings so customers hear this news directly from us and can talk through their individual circumstances. We will work closely with each household to find the right next home — somewhere safe, suitable and close to the people and services that matter to them wherever possible.
“This is about more than moving homes; it’s about supporting people through change with care, respect and reassurance. We will stay alongside our customers every step of the way.”
The Hopmarket Charity has appointed professional advisers to oversee the disposal and developer selection process. Worcester City Council will support the regeneration process through its planning and civic responsibilities to ensure proposals align with the city’s wider ambitions.
Further information will be shared directly with tenants, commercial and domestic leaseholders, and stakeholders as plans progress.
