Railway arches transformation backed

The redesign and refurbishment a number of Worcester’s Victorian railway arches has been given the go-ahead.Worcester City Council has approved a planning application, which will see up to five railway arches, between Foregate Street and The Hive, converted into studios and offices for local artists and creative businesses.The initial phase of works will see the brick work in the arch spaces being carefully cleaned by a local stonemason.While the work is being undertaken tenders for the refurbishment works will be issued, with works scheduled to start late summer 2020. It is anticipated works will be complete in early 2021.The £4.5m project, which also includes four festivals this year and support for new start up creative businesses, known as The Arches – Worcester, is being carried out through a partnership between the University of Worcester, Worcester City Council, Severn Arts, The Arch Company and Worcestershire County Council.Earlier this year the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport awarded £3m from the Cultural Development Fund, which is administered by Arts Council England, to the project.Along with studios and office space, one of the Arches will be turned into a ‘performance’ Arch where a variety of musicians, actors and artists could stage informal performances and exhibitions.