The planning application to demolish a former take-away in Foregate Street, creating a new walking and cycling route to The Arches – Worcester redevelopment, has been submitted.

Residents can now have their say on the proposals, which would create a new direct link between Foregate Street railway station and The Hive and the river Severn. 

Planning permission is being sought to demolish the old Jacq’s take-away and create a new pedestrian route along the city’s refurbished Victorian railway arches, which are already home to creative businesses, food and drink outlets, and more.

If approved, this will be the final phase in The Arches – Worcester project, which has been funded by £4.5 million from the Government and Arts Council’s Cultural Development Fund. The initiative has already seen five railway arches redeveloped to create new spaces for creative enterprises. They now sit alongside existing hospitality businesses to create a new city destination.

The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Adrian Gregson, said: “The demolition of the old take-away and the creation of this new pedestrian and bike route is the missing link of The Arches – Worcester project.

“It will open up an attractive new way to walk or bike from the station to The Hive and the river, and to discover the many attractions that can now be found in Worcester’s historic railway arches.

“It will reveal more of the beauty and history of the railway bridge and the building at 57 Foregate Street, both of which are grade two listed. Hopes are high that it will also act as a catalyst to attract more independent food and drink, retail, cultural, leisure and commercial businesses to Foregate Street, giving a better welcome for visitors arriving in our city by train.”

The scheme will include improved lighting and the use of natural stone – similar to the new paving seen at The Cross and other recently refurbished areas of the city centre – to create an attractive new walkway.

Safety bollards will be installed at the new entrance, to stop unauthorised vehicles using the new route.

The former Jacq’s building is no. 56 Foregate Street and is positioned next to the railway bridge that carries trains into the station opposite. If planning permission is granted, Worcester City Council will make arrangements with Network Rail and train operators for the train line to be temporarily closed for a short period so that the building can be safely demolished.