A MULTI million regeneration project which will include housing, a hotel, a gym and a cinema is gathering pace with work set to get underway soon.

The £150 million regeneration project for Shrub Hill in Worcester is to launch later this month with the site already cleared, ready for work to begin.

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The city's MP, Robin Walker, and the Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Adrian Gregson, will be amongst the guests who will be marking the launch.

When complete, the £150 million investment in the regeneration of the City’s Shrub Hill area, will comprise hundreds of new apartments (including affordable housing), hotel, gym, multi-storey car park, food and drink outlets and multiscreen cinema, and ten-pin bowling.

Developers say the project will bring a significant boost to the local economy, including hundreds of jobs.

The project aims to deliver 468 new homes in Worcester city centre, supporting the long-term regeneration of Shrub Hill.

Demolition and site clearance has been completed for phase one and phase two.

Elliott Group is the main contractor for the scheme, saying they are to using local labour and materials. Affordable housing will be delivered in phase two.

Robin Walker, Worcester’s MP said: “For too long this part of Worcester has been overlooked and it is hugely exciting to see regeneration unlocking the potential of Shrub Hill as a gateway to our city.

"More homes, more jobs and more opportunities for apprenticeships are all welcome benefits of this development but most exciting of all will be the breathing of new life into this part of the city.

"With more people living close to the city centre and enjoying the new leisure facilities this area will offer, this development should strengthen footfall in the High Street and benefit the whole city.

"Alongside the exciting developments unlocked by Worcester’s Town Deal, this development has the potential to transform our city for the better.”

Stennard Harrison, managing director of Worcester-based Sherriff Gate Developments, said: “Shrub Hill was included as one of the major areas for regeneration in the Worcester City Centre Masterplan and we are delighted to be bringing this to fruition in partnership with the city council planners."

Phase one of the site has already been cleared for work to begin on the first of 213 apartments with more than 100 workers ready to begin.

Elliott, managing director of Elliott Group UK, said: “The investment in the Sherriff's Gate neighbourhood will regenerate the community as a place to live and work."