A HUGE crack in a retaining wall beneath a multi-million housing project is old and is not getting bigger say developers.
The jagged crack is visible in the brick retaining wall beneath the multi-storey Sherriff's Gate project which is under construction and looms large over the junction of Sherriff Street and Tolladine Road.
WIDE: The crack in the Sherriff Street retaining wall directly beneath the Sherriff's Gate project (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)
A crack appears to run right up the side of the wall near the Sherriff Street sign from the pavement to the summit above which the £150 million housing project sits perched.
However, developers say there has been 'no movement' and the situation is being monitored.
Work started on the project last July and, when finished, it 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.
CONCERN: The crack runs along a diagonal path from the top to the bottom of the retaining wall beneath Sherriff's Gate (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)
Contracts manager Scott Blackburn said: "We can confirm that a structural survey was completed prior to the project commencing, which covered the retaining walls along both Sherriff Street and Tolladine Road.
"As part of this structural survey, the cracks mentioned within the email below were recorded. The cracks as you can see within the photos are weathered and have been present for many years. As part of the structural survey report recommendations, we were advised to install tell-tails to these cracks and to monitor, which we implemented and have continued to monitor throughout our works and have received confirmation from site that there has been no movement."
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The first phase of the development is made up of two buildings - John Gregory Court (105 units) and Wilson Roberts Court (108 units) which are nearing completion.
SKYLINE: A view of Sherriff's Gate from the air provided by Gorilla Drones (Image: Sherriff’s Gate Developments)
Estate agents for the first phase of the scheme will be appointed shortly and aspiring homeowners will be able to secure an apartment for just £1,000.
The regeneration scheme, described by developers as 'the largest of its kind in Worcester', aims to 'revitalise the area, creating hundreds of new apartments, many with fantastic views over Worcester and beyond'.
BIG: The crack looking up towards the top of the retaining wall (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)
Stennard Harrison, managing director of Sherriff’s Gate Developments, said in a recent statement: “A lack of suitable housing has troubled Worcester for far too long, leaving many individuals and families struggling to find suitable attainable accommodation.
"Our phase 1 of the scheme recognises this pressing need and offers a solution for people to fulfil the dream of home ownership.
“Our first phase presents an unprecedented one-off opportunity for aspiring home owners. By requiring only £1,000 deposit, Sherriff’s Gate is breaking down the financial barriers that often hinder people from taking their first steps towards property ownership. The apartments offered in this phase will be available at an achievable price, ensuring that they remain within the means of individuals and families who are eager to join the housing ladder."
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