THE announcement that Worcester's Royal Infirmary site could be turned into a multi-million pound university campus with businesses, bars and arts centre has been dubbed "the best news in a long time" by city councillor Derek Prodger.

The councillor - portfolio holder for community services which includes leisure and the arts - said yesterday's Evening News article outlining plans to convert the former Castle Street hospital was "marvellous news".

The ambitious project, planned as part of a major initiative to rejuvenate the city, hinges on Advantage West Midlands completing a deal to buy the city site from the Department of Health.

An announcement is expected within the next few days.

The main focus of the proposal would be a 5,000-student campus for Worcester's University College, complemented by office space for businesses, bars, shops and an arts centre.

"The development brief from the council suggested that the site be used for multiple uses which would help bring life into the city as well as serve the community - and this proposal seems to do just that," said Coun Prodger.

City councillor Mike Layland said the site was very well placed for a second university campus, with Sabrina Bridge giving easy access to St John's.

While giving the proposal a cautious welcome, he would be keeping an open mind on the proposal.

"It is a huge area spreading across Castle Street and the proposal must be complementary to the city," he said.

"I hope that, before we make a decision, we make sure we look at the whole picture and not just part of it. The area is an eyesore and something needs to be done quickly before the whole area degenerates into a bombsite, so the proposal seems to make sense.

"But I will keep an open mind."