A HUGE canalside development in the city centre has been redrawn after it was criticised for being too big.
The major revamp of Lowesmoor Wharf would include bars, restaurants and cafes, shops, hundreds of apartments and offices to create a new bustling canalside destination in Worcester.
The original proposal put forward more than a year ago had included several nine and 12-storey buildings to house hundreds of apartments, but those plans have now been scrapped with the highest building now reduced to eight storeys.
The reduction in height of some of the buildings is to make sure that views of Worcester Cathedral and other city landmarks are “not compromised” according to the applicants Godwin Developments and Lowesmoor Regeneration.
The plan had faced criticism for its size with Worcester Civic Society saying the work was “totally unsuitable” for the city centre and criticised its “derisable” heritage plans whilst campaigners Save Britain’s Heritage said the work would “substantially harm” the character of a historic Cathedral city.
Matt Chandler, development director at Godwin Developments, said: “Lowesmoor Wharf is a scheme of exceptional quality and outstanding design but most of all a scheme of ambition – to bring new residents, visitors and businesses to central Worcester and retain them through an exciting destination that caters to living, working, socialising and being closer to nature.
“We have always believed in the huge potential of this centrally located site in Worcester and have sought to create a development which will benefit the local community. Therefore, since submitting our original planning application last year, we have listened and responded to a number of comments to our plans.
“Working closely with stakeholders and our expert consultants, we have not only amended the scheme to reflect the feedback received but also ensure that Lowesmoor Wharf is viable and able to deliver on all the improvements to the public space we were hoping to achieve.
READ MORE: New bridge will be built in Worcester
READ MORE: Worcester Civic Society slams Lowesmoor redevelopment plans
“We are grateful to those who have engaged and worked with us constructively over the last few months and helped us shape the plans which we are excited to bring forward today.
“I am confident that this development fits well with Worcester’s vision for the future. It is both forward-looking in its design and sustainability, seeking to create new spaces for people, attract investment and benefit the local community, while also responding to the city’s rich heritage and supporting it in its post-Covid recovery.”
READ MORE: Latest part of 2,300-home plan for Worcester revealed
The change in height means the number of apartments due to be built would reduce from 271 to 238.
Four canalside blocks ranging from six to now eight storeys will each house apartments with some offices and shops, bars, restaurants and cafes on the ground floor.
The developers said the scheme would remain “mostly” car-free with more than 600 cycling spaces provided with the addition of 12 car parking spaces.
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