A MAJOR multi-million-pound regeneration bid which will transform parts of the city has been given the green light by the government.

Worcester will be awarded almost £20 million to regenerate several parts of the city including the tired Shrub Hill area, a new medical centre on the banks of the River Severn, hundreds of new homes and a new 'Building Block' training centre in Dines Green.

The plans, which have been backed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 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.

Worcester MP Robin Walker said: "This is great news and is testament to what can happen with a Conservative government working with two great Conservative councils.

"Following the success of our bids for the future high streets fund and the cultural recovery fund, this investment is a massive vote of confidence in the city of Worcester.

"The regeneration of Shrub Hill is at the heart of this bid, and I am particularly pleased to see further opportunities for investment, jobs, and economic growth around the city. I am particularly pleased that the Towns Deal should support cycling and active travel, priorities which I have consistently supported.

“The group that led on developing the Town Improvement Plan worked on a cross party, cross community group basis and their collective experience has enabled a proposal that could be regionally significant.

"The commitment of almost twenty million pounds reflects the fact that this government believes in our towns and cities and is willing to put its money where its mouth is when it comes to levelling up.

"This should provide a strong boost for the economic recovery in Worcester and for future bids to the levelling up fund for which we have been designated a priority one area.”

The funding will also help pay for several other projects in the bid.

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.

Marc Bayliss, leader of Worcester City Council, said: "I am delighted that the government has decided to award the city almost £20 million more to back our ambitious regeneration plans.

"This money is on top of the £18 million we were awarded last year from the Future High Street Fund and together these funds provide us with a once in a generation opportunity to create an even better city, fit for the 21st century and which helps all our communities to fulfil their potential.

“Working together with a range of partners Worcester has demonstrated again its ability to make a compelling case for investment."