A TRAINING organisation is leading the way in the transformation of an inner-city site ripe for regeneration.

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is relocating its head office to Central Park, Midland Road, next to the Lea & Perrins factory. It was previously housed in Chamber Court, Castle Street.

The five-acre Central Park was formerly a British Rail goods yard and is designated as a brownfield redevelopment site.

The purpose-built 15,000sq ft office, pre-let to the LSC, is the first phase of the new business park, which is being developed by Promanco Ltd.

The redevelopment, and LSC's move, have been welcomed by the city council.

"Not only are we pleased that the LSC has decided to reinvest and keep their headquarters in Worcester, but the prestigious building heralds the transformation of the site," said Linda Allen, economic development officer for the council.

"A key aim of the council is to encourage the regeneration of previously used sites.

"I'm keen to work with organisations and businesses to facilitate the revitalisation of Central Park and other employment sites within the city."

The Herefordshire and Worcestershire LSC, which is responsible for all post-16 education and training in the two counties, employs 85 people but the new office has been designed to allow for future expansion.

The council has an annual budget of £85m locally.

Alan Curless, executive director of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire LSC, said Central Park was "ideal".

"With an underlying desire to remain within the city of Worcester, and to assist in the regeneration and development of the eastern side of the city centre, Central Park was seen as the ideal location for the LSC office," he said.

Central Park also has planning consent for light industrial and production space.

"It's envisaged that other high-profile occupiers will follow the lead of the LSC in taking space on the business park," said a spokesman for Humberts Chartered Surveyors, Worcester, who are marketing the park.

"A number of potential occupiers are currently expressing interest in purpose-built office accommodation."