A MAJOR bid to transform Worcester's riverside into a new city 'park' can today be revealed in an attempt to bring in more tourists.

Worcester City Council has teamed up the Environment Agency and the Canal and Rivers Trust to launch the new project - called 'Riverside Park'.

Under the exciting suggestion, the riverside network stretching from Northwick all the way down to Cherry Orchard Nature Service would be revamped.

Council chiefs yesterday said the aim was to ensure the stretch, which is three-and-a-half miles long, has "all the attractions" of a traditional park like play facilities, grassed sections and flowers.

A workshop involving more than 20 organisations including businesses, sports bodies, charities, schools, colleges and the University of Worcester has been held to kick off the work.

Back in 2010 the city council, alongside Worcestershire County Council and UK charity Sustrans, sunk £5 million into Worcester's riverside corridor.

But there has always been an ambition from all city's political parties to go further and keep up the momentum.

Labour Councillor Jabba Riaz, cabinet member for clean, green and leisure services, said: "With the recent investment, we have seen the riverside blossom and become alive.

"Figures show that the usage of the bridge at Diglis is going through the roof, with an average of 371,719 crossings per year by walkers and cyclists - that’s 12 times more than originally expected.

"This bridge has opened up the city and it now means commuters and leisure visitor have easier access, with Worcester becoming more connected than ever before.

"The opening up and use of the riverside has created a brand new world of opportunity and my vision for Riverside Park is that it becomes the jewel in the crown of the Faithful City."

He added: "Not only will this enhance the city for all of us who live in Worcester, it will make Worcester a destination of choice for tourists, businesses, for anyone who wants to be on the water, for those who love wildlife and for many, many more."

The council wants to aim for the revamped stretch to eventually secure Green Flag status.

The first workshop included input from Dave Throup, the Environment Agency's manager for Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

He has urged decision-makers to help Worcester become an example of the "Love Your River" campaign.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of how the use of water in homes and businesses affects the health and wellbeing of rivers.

The council says it will aim to build on the initial talks to develop a detailed vision for Riverside Park over the coming months.

Worcester MP Robin Walker said: "It all sounds quite exciting - I know they are aiming for Green Flag status with this."