Worcester Central Railway Stations & Regeneration Initiative
The primary aim of ”Worcester Central” is to support work already programmed for Worcester’s 2 central areas railway stations at Foregate Street and Shrub Hill, and to secure further investment. A secondary aim is to encourage the sustainable regeneration of adjoining areas.
Network Rail planned improvements include additional car parking and “Access for All” facilities at Shrub Hill Station. Restoration of English Heritage-listed tile work on the exterior of the waiting room on Platform 3 has also been undertaken recently.
A further programme of improvements could include :
Conservation work to Foregate Street Bridge (Urgent !)
Additional station cycle parking eg outside former Post Office
Refurbishment of Foregate Station exterior and ticket hall(s)
Better signage to shopping centre and other attractions
Contact regarding the above and other possibilities has already been made with :
Department for Transport
Local authorities
Property Sector
Voluntary Groups
There is now a need to establish a “forum” to progress discussions with the railway authorities, and other organisations such as English Heritage, and Regen WM (an operating unit of regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands).
Regen WM promotes good practice in sustainable regeneration. “Worcester Central” has the potential to provide a shining example of how investment in heritage conservation, sustainable transport and urban design can provide a catalyst for local area renaissance and wider economic regeneration.
