We’ll build a complex that will do city proud (From Worcester News)

We’ll build a complex that will do city proud

5:10pm Wednesday 4th July 2012 in News By Tom Edwards

DEVELOPERS behind plans for a massive homes, leisure and business complex in Worcester say they will not create a “white elephant” in the city.

It comes as the ambitious proposals to overhaul land off Sherriff Street were published for the first time – allowing residents to now have their say.

Developers Sheriffs Gate, which is investing more than £100 million in the scheme, say several blue-chip companies have already agreed to relocate to the site. It has also said that “100 per cent” of the material used in building the huge project will be supplied from Worcestershire businesses.

As your Worcester News first reported in May, the firm wants to build 586 homes, an 80-bed care village for the elderly, office space, a five screen cinema, bowling alley, ice skating rink and bars, shops and restaurants. The plans, which will span 900,000 sq ft, also come with 1,000 parking spaces.

Worcester City Council has published the planning application on its website, and say people who want to leaf through it face-to-face can do so by going to the Hive.

A document produced by Sheriffs Gate aimed at supporting the bid states: “Our primary goal is not short-term financial gain.This development is about creating and sustaining a real legacy for the city of Worcester.” It goes on to say a 25-lease has already been secured from a provider for the care village, as well as deals for the gym, hotel and cinema subject to planning permission.

There is also a detailed section regarding the construction elements, saying it will “keep the Worcestershire pound in Worcestershire” and that any partner firms working on it will be county-based.

The building work is split into five phases, with a final detailed planning application required for phases two, three, four and five. The massive development, which aims to be complete by 2017, can be viewed and commented on until July 17.

Those with web access can view it by visiting www.worcester.gov.uk and searching under ‘view planning applications’.

Those without the internet can visit the Hive at Sawmill Walk, The Butts, and quote planning application P12GO199.

It is likely to be decided upon by the city council’s planning committee in September.