Summer 2027 is set to see the completion of the regeneration of the Angel Place area and the opening of Scala arts centre. This is Worcester City Council’s biggest investment project, involving complex construction jobs and working across multiple sites.
Scala arts centre, when it opens in Angel Place next year, will be the centrepiece of a £26m regeneration of the city centre’s northern gateway, attracting residents and visitors to an area that had previously become unloved and under-used. The programme began in 2020 and has been supported by significant grants from the Government, as well as investment by the City Council. Heritage and vacant buildings have been refurbished and major upgrades were also made into the public realm.
Councillor Lynn Denham, Leader of Worcester City Council and Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee, said: “Worcester City Council has been looking after our city for centuries, and this major regeneration programme in our city centre will leave a lasting legacy.
“Bringing underused heritage buildings back to life and creating new reasons to visit the city centre was the challenge that was set by the Government’s grant funding. This has been a complex and long-running project and we are pleased it is close to completion now. The Council is grateful for the sustained partnership commitment from leading local creatives and our construction contractor.
“Scala arts centre will be entertaining and connecting the people of Worcester for decades to come. The charity’s vision and mission, as a centre for arts and learning, is what the Council has invested in, and we are so pleased to see Scala already out working in our communities and building opportunities for the next generations.”
A new report to Worcester City Council’s Policy and Resources Committee asks them to approve a final £1.5 million investment to meet a range of extra costs and get the project over the finishing line. The Committee meets on 1 September to consider this.
The refurbishment of the Scala building is set to be completed in November 2026, while work on the neighbouring Corn Exchange will be finished in February 2027. This work is being carried out by Malvern-based main contractor, Speller Metcalfe.
Once the buildings are finished, additional work needs to be undertaken by National Grid to provide an improved power supply to the new arts centre. Worcestershire County Council will also be carrying out a range of improvements to Angel Place, including creating level access into the buildings. That is expected to be completed in May 2027.
When it opens, the new arts centre will feature three new studio spaces, a bar and a cafe. It will be an exciting new destination for independent film, music, live performances and more – a new centre for creativity in Worcester’s city centre.
Scala as an organisation is already having an impact in the city.
Established as a charity under the leadership of Chief Executive and Artistic Director Dr Hannah Phillips, Scala produced the very successful Festival of Play for children that attracted more than 6,000 people to The Arches and The Hive earlier this year. Scala also brought aerial and circus performance to the Worcester Show this year and is programming DinesFest.
Education is an important part of Scala’s remit and it has formed partnerships with HOW College and schools. Scala is currently in discussions with other education institutions to bring new learning and career opportunities to young people in Worcester.
Dr Hannah Phillips said: “Scala arts and learning centre will develop the next generation of cultural creators, producers and audiences through targeted talent development schemes, accredited courses and youth-focused festival programming and participation activities. Our exciting local and regional partnerships will be key to enabling these opportunities for the young people in our city.”
