Work is under way to transform Worcester’s Victorian railway arches into a major new cultural quarter for the city. In a new feature series, we take a look at life underneath them
Construction is currently under way to convert five of the city’s iconic railway arches, located between Foregate Street Station and The Hive, into studios for local artists and creative businesses.
The work has been made possible thanks to an award of over £3 million from the Department of Culture Media and Sport’s Cultural Development Fund.
However, a number of arches in the vicinity have already been successfully converted and are now home to thriving small businesses – including the Method Roastery, the Burger Shop and the Arch Rivals pub.
Axe Junkies is just one of the businesses to open underneath the Arches
The latest kid on the block is Axe Junkies (axejunkies.co.uk), which introduces a new and exhilarating sporting craze to Worcester.
Whilst axe throwing is relatively new to the UK, it is a thriving sport with a long history in the US, with its own World Championship and competitive league.
Axe Junkies offers people the opportunity to let it all out as they hone their skills in throwing an axe at something akin to an oversized darts board.
Bull's eye: Axe throwing at Axe Junkies
Each axe thrower operates in their own fully enclosed run under the watchful eye of owner Daniel Charlton and his team, who are on hand to offer plenty of advice and encouragement.
“I would describe axe throwing as darts on steroids,” explains Daniel.
“You don’t need strength to be a skilful axe thrower; in fact the more relaxed you are, the better your technique will be.”
VAULTED AMBITION: The axe-throwing range
Daniel offered axe throwing sessions at outdoor activity centre Action Adventures in Cradley for nearly seven years, before deciding that The Arches would be the perfect location from which to introduce the sport to the city. Following the refurbishment of Arch no.5 last summer, Axe Junkies was all set to open in November when lockdown struck.
The business was able to open its doors for just two days in December before having to shut for a further five months.
So it was with great excitement and anticipation that Axe Junkies reopened last week, hosting two stag parties and a steady stream of people eager to try out something new.
With customer safety is the absolute top priority, there is a strict no alcohol policy either prior to arrival or on site.
Anyone from age 10 upwards can let their hair down and have fun at Axe Junkies, in groups of two upwards.
It’s great for a get-together with mates, parties, celebrations and team bonding sessions.
There’s plenty of support and advice for newcomers to the sport, and a wide range of games and activities to try out.
It’s the ideal venue to let out all that pent-up post-lockdown energy, without getting arrested in the process!
Prices start at £15 for a 45-minute session. Axe Junkies is open from Wednesday
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel