THE number of empty shop units in Worcester has been rising, but business figures have said there is a plan for the High Street.

A number of shop units in Worcester remain empty after a difficult year for businesses, but Worcester Business Improvement District said there is reason for optimism.

Samantha McCarthy, projects and marketing manager from Worcester BID said: "Worcester BID has recently surveyed 650 ground floor units within the city centre.

"91 units were reported empty and 385 occupied units were reported to be independent businesses.

"Worcester’s independent scene has adapted effectively and efficiently, embracing the challenges over the last 18 months.

"This month Worcester has seen the launch of Maneki Ramen at The Arches as well as the exciting work about to begin for the ex Debenhams unit.

"Worcester BID are working closely with the developers for the new Artisan Food Hall to support with local connections and local independent wholesale opportunities for the businesses."

Worcester City Council is working on a number of projects to improve the look and feel of the city centre, including launching an empty retail units grant scheme to support new businesses in unused premises, with up to £2,500 available.

These grants have already supported the opening of the new cycle storage centre in CrownGate and the new Ware vintage furniture shop in Reindeer Court, where several other empty units are also being reopened.

The council has also commissioned artists to design shop frontage windows, making them look more attractive while unoccupied.

Cllr Lucy Hodgson, chair of Worcester City Council’s place and economic development committee, said: "Worcester City Council has successfully secured more than £40 million from the Government to invest in the city over the next few years and this will bring about a significant boost to the high street and the city’s broader economy.

"We have recently seen the purchase of the former Debenhams department store and we understand work will commence on site there in August, while the former fire station on Copenhagen Street is being refurbished to become a food business.

"The City Council itself has acquired the former Corn Exchange and Co-op buildings on Angel Street for redevelopment and work has now commenced on the fit-out of the Arches, creating new businesses spaces and a new route from Foregate Street Station to the river."