A HUGE multi-million-pound bid to transform parts of Worcester including hundreds of new homes, a new medical centre and training facilities as well as shops and restaurants will be made to the government later this month.

Worcester City Council has revealed plans to regenerate several parts of the city including the tired Shrub Hill area.

Plans include redeveloping the First Bus Depot site in Padmore Street near Worcester Shrub Hill station into 350 new homes and 2,000 square metres of commercial space.

The ageing Isaac Maddox House site in Shrub Hill Road would also see a new enterprise centre and up to 100 homes built.

A new walking and cycle route between Shrub Hill station, the planned regeneration area and the city centre would also be created.

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Worcester City Council said it will submit a bid to the Government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund at the end of January, setting out how £28 million could deliver long-term economic growth for the city and aid recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

The council also said the work would act as a catalyst for business start-up and growth, providing a range of co-working and individual business spaces, alongside a training and business hub to help residents and small businesses evolve business ideas into real opportunities.

Last year, Worcester was one of 101 towns across the UK to be given the opportunity to create a Town Investment Plan and pitch for funding.

Cllr Marc Bayliss, leader of Worcester City Council, said: “We are living in unprecedented times but, as our Town Investment Plan demonstrates, ambition and commitment have never been in short supply here in Worcester.

“We are confident that the plan we are preparing to Government will produce a strong platform from which we can create more jobs and develop better life chances for local people.

“We have consulted extensively, and this Plan reflects a wide range of views on how this could best be achieved.”

Cllr Adrian Gregson, deputy leader of Worcester City Council, said: ”Worcester is a city of many strengths, but we also have considerable challenges too.

“This comprehensive plan will invest in training for all and provide more opportunities for our deprived communities.

“It will also expand Worcester’s tourist economy by enhancing our heritage assets and investing further in the riverside.

“As we recover from the pandemic, this plan will ensure that the city and the people who live here can benefit from long-term sustainable growth.”

The former Worcester News building in Hylton Road will also be converted in to a facility to house nursing, physiotherapy and medical training - including an anatomy lab for between 50 and 100 students.

The site will also include a GP practice as well as on-site therapy and rehabilitation clinics.

A second ‘Building Block’ centre would also be built in Dines Green – building on the success of the existing facility in Warndon which hosts workshops developing DIY and building skills including bricklaying, plumbing, plastering, tiling and woodwork.

Worcester City Council’s policy and resources committee meets next Monday (January 25) to discuss the plans.