A GROUP of fledgling businesses could soon see an increase in passing trade after it was revealed underlying issues preventing a walkway being opened have now been “resolved.”

Traders located in the city’s old Victorian railway arches have been struggling for footfall with a set of gates leading from The Hive to the city centre remaining locked.

However, a Hive spokesman has told us that changes, including the installation of bollards, lighting and signage, are now close to being realised.

The decision to open the gates lies with University of Worcester vice chancellor and chief executive David Green, the Worcester News understands.

Earlier this year, it was announced the government had added a substantial £3million cash boost to an ambitious £4.5million project to open up the area and create a crucial city gateway, alongside the Arts Council.

Mike Davis, owner of The Arch Rivals pub in Netherton Court, said premises owners Network Rail allegedly promised the gates would be opened by October last year, just weeks after he moved in.

A spokesman for The Hive said the hold-up was to “make the new pathway safe for pedestrians”, adding: “All parties are working together to move this project forward as soon as possible.”

“It is very good that progress is, at last being made, to improve pedestrian connectivity with the Hive.

“Together with our partners we devised a highly imaginative plan which successfully won funding for the Arches project and are delighted that this long running issue can now be resolved.”

The Hive spokesman continued: “The county council and university both fully support the increased usage of the arches.

“A project which is set to help create a modern, 21st century centre for the creative industries in Worcester. The Hive has allocated funding to open up the route through the site to support the project.”

They added the project board and council are liaising with a third party company who own some of the land adjacent to the Hive “in order to enable this new route to be fully utilised.” The university spokesman said: “We hope the practical work can be completed as soon as possible.”