THE 'largest regeneration project in the history of Worcester' is now officially underway, bringing 'hundreds' of jobs to the city when finished.

A ground-cutting ceremony for Sherriff's Gate got underway today (Friday), marking the start of the £150 million scheme to regenerate Shrub Hill.

The development will bring hundreds of new apartments (including affordable housing), a hotel, gym, multi-storey car park, food and beverage outlets, a multiscreen cinema and ten-pin bowling to the city.

When completed over the next three to four years, it is hoped the phased project will transform 9000,000 square feet of industrial land, creating jobs for local people and providing new opportunities, including apprenticeships. 

Worcester News: READY: The team from Elliott Group welcome dignitaries including the Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Adrian Gregson, to the Sherriff's Gate site in Worcester READY: The team from Elliott Group welcome dignitaries including the Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Adrian Gregson, to the Sherriff's Gate site in Worcester

Dignitaries, including the Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Adrian Gregson, Cllr Jabbar Riaz and Lynne Denham, attended the ceremony at Sherriff Street, Worcester on Friday.

Stennard Harrison, managing director of Worcester-based Sherriff Gate Developments said the development would bring 'hundreds of permanent jobs' to the city and a 'massive injection of cash' via shops, leisure activities, food outlets, a gym and a 200-bed hotel.

Born and bred in Worcester, Mr Harrison, 53, said he had continued the work of his father whom he called 'an inspirational fellow'.

Mr Harrison, born in South Bank in Bath Road, Worcester, attended St Mary's Convent in Battenhall, Hawford Lodge (now King's Hawford) and Sacred Heart College in Droitwich so has deep roots in the city.

He said: "I've got Worcester running through my veins. I'm more passionate about Worcester than anyone you know. My passion for Worcester is second to none. This is the biggest project Worcester has ever seen.

"For many years this part of Worcester hasn't looked the best. It will give the gateway and the front door to the city centre."

Worcester News: MASSIVE: The project is underway for Sherriff's Gate and the regeneration of Shrub Hill MASSIVE: The project is underway for Sherriff's Gate and the regeneration of Shrub Hill

Mr Harrison added: "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."

The finished development will feature 468 apartments including two and three-bedroom homes and it is believed around 1,000 people will call it home once it's complete.

During construction, a peak of 250 people will be working on site.

Worcester News: IMPRESSION: An artist's impression of the Sherriff's Gate project at Shrub Hill in Worcester IMPRESSION: An artist's impression of the Sherriff's Gate project at Shrub Hill in Worcester

Noel Elliott, managing director UK of the Elliott Group is responsible for making the project a reality. The next major step is to put up the precast concrete frame for the first 213 apartments on September 28.

Most of the materials are locally sourced, he says, supporting businesses in the region.

He added: “The investment in the Sherriff's Gate neighbourhood will regenerate the community as a place to live and work."

Worcester News: FUTURE: Sherriff's Gate in Shrub Hill, an artist's impression of the finished development FUTURE: Sherriff's Gate in Shrub Hill, an artist's impression of the finished development

Derek Bradstock, managing partner of BBA Finance, who has helped organise finance for the project described the project as a 'mammoth task'.

But he added: "It's hugely rewarding to see activity on site. It's very exciting when things start rising out of the ground. It's an enormous project to pull together but extremely exciting, extremely rewarding."

The local project team is led by Scott Blackburn and Tom Powell.

Worcester News: VISION: Stennard Harrison, Managing Director of Worcester based Sherriff Gate Developments (left) shares his vision with the Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Adrian Gregson : VISION: Stennard Harrison, Managing Director of Worcester based Sherriff Gate Developments (left) shares his vision with the Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Adrian Gregson :

Cllr Riaz remembered the original planning application for redeveloping the site 12 to 13 years ago. He says the timing of the development 'could not be better' for the city.

He added: "It's a happening place. It's changing and it's changing for the better. Thank you to everybody who has made it happen."

The Mayor said he hoped the project would be 'a really good catalyst for development which takes us that step forward for Worcester'.

Cllr Denham said she hoped it would create 'economic regeneration in terms of local jobs'.