Source: WorcesterNews
A NEW route will connect the riverside and the city centre after a set of gates were finally opened – more than a year after traders appealed for them to be unbolted.
The opening of the gates next to Worcester’s Hive means there is now a quick and easy way to get from the river to the growing number of businesses at the Arches in Netherton Court and Cherry Tree Walk and the rest of the city centre.
The walking and cycle path between the city’s historic Arches and the River Severn is part of the multi-million-pound Arches project.
The plan was welcomed by one established business in Netherton Court.
Michael Davis, owner of The Arch Rivals Brewing Company, said: “We at the Arch Rivals are extremely pleased to hear that the gates at the end of Netherton Court have been removed. This will have a great impact on local businesses and the community. We have managed to establish ourselves over the past two years and hope that by opening this area up even more to the public things will continue to get better.
“This area of Worcester has so much potential and the opening of the gates will play a hugely beneficial part to all the independent businesses in the area.”
Opening the gates is the latest piece of the puzzle for a walking and cycling route along the Victorian railway arches between the riverside and Foregate Street station.The path has been resurfaced and painted with temporary markings to show it is to be used by pedestrians and cyclists only. Street lighting will also be installed in the next few weeks.
Cllr Adrian Gregson, chairman of Worcester’s cultural development steering group, said: “This is a real watershed moment for The Arches, as the opening of this new route from the river and The Hive to the hub of the scheme will immediately bring far more people into the area. It is also a significant milestone on our journey to creating a new walking and cycling route from Foregate Street station, and a new cultural and leisure destination for our city.”
The plan to revitalise the historic Victorian railway arches by creating a cultural quarter for the city was formally put forward at the start of the year.
Since then, a ping-pong themed bar called Back and Forth has been given permission to open and will be joined by a new yet-to-be-named axe-throwing venue and a bespoke furniture workshop.
A plan by Method Coffee Company to open a new pizzeria was put forward in July.
Cllr Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member for communities at Worcestershire County Council, said: “The removal of the gates at Netherton Court marks a milestone moment for the Arches project, which I’m delighted to see moving forward.
“The new walking and cycling pathway will give pedestrians and cyclists easy access to the hub of the project at Netherton Court, and through to the heart of Worcester city centre.
“The pathway will be of huge benefit to the city of Worcester and will play its part in helping the city’s local communities and businesses to grow and develop. The project will help us improve Worcester as a cultural destination and I’m really excited for the future and to see it come together.”
Source: WorcesterNews