Worcester’s railway arches are set to be transformed into a new cultural destination for the city, providing a hub for creative businesses and the arts.

The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Jeremy Wright MP, has today awarded £3million in funding to the £4.5m project, from its Cultural Development Fund.

This will be used to create a new gateway for the city, following the line of the Victorian arches from Foregate Street rail station to The Hive and the River Severn.

Eight of the arches will be refurbished, becoming affordable work and creative spaces, with the aim of creating a cultural destination for tourists and residents.

A leadership and entrepreneurial skills programme will be developed to encourage graduates and others to find employment and start a business, with 67 new jobs created and over 500 training places.

A Festivals Hub will be established in the arches, delivering festivals and cultural events across Worcester.

The arches will also host an information point for tourists visiting the city, and continue to be a home for independent retail and food businesses.

The project will include improvements to the arches area, including new lighting and surfacing of the walkway.

The funding bid was prepared by Worcester Cultural Partnership, which will match it with a further £1.5m. The Partnership is led by Worcester City Council and comprises the University of Worcester, Severn Arts, Network Rail, Worcestershire Arts Partnership, Worcestershire County Council and local businesses including Burger Shop / A Rule of Tum, Method Roastery and The Hive.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, leader of Worcester City Council, said: “Revitalising Worcester’s historic arches is a key part of our vision for the city centre, and I welcome this funding that will help us unite our city’s heritage and its vibrant future. The arches will become a key skills training base for the city, a cultural hub, tourist destination and a new pedestrian key route.”

Professor David Green CBE, vice chancellor and chief executive of the University of Worcester, said: “The renovation and fresh use of the railway arches will create a modern, 21st century centre for the creative industries in Worcester.

“Their growth in Worcester will enrich the city and county, encouraging many more of our talented graduates to remain in the city and create fresh economic prosperity and cultural dynamism.

“Winning this bid and the opening of the new University of Worcester Art House means that 2019 is shaping up to be a red-letter year for art, culture, creativity and industry in Worcester.”

Laura Worsfold, chief executive of Severn Arts, added: “This will have a significant impact on transforming this part of the city into a vibrant new artistic quarter for everyone.”

Rupert Davison, joint director and proprietor of the Burger Shop in the arches, said: “This exciting news will not only benefit our business, it will be the start of the creation of a new fantastic independent quarter for Worcester that will become a really great destination in the city.”

Mark Chislett, co-founder of Method Coffee Roasters in the arches, said: “Relocating our business to Worcester arches last year, we could see the huge potential of the area to be a focal point for makers and artisan producers like us.

“I think the success of this bid is huge news for Worcester. City centres need to work harder than ever to stand out and attract visitors – I believe that’s exactly what this project can do.”

Cllr Lucy Hodgson, county council cabinet member for communities, said: “This investment will be a huge boost for tourism and the redeveloped arches will offer something new and exciting to residents and visitors, especially as there will be a number of events and festivals taking place throughout the year.”

Revitalising the arches is a key part of Worcester’s draft City Centre Masterplan, currently under consideration by the city council.