Work on arts centre set to start in early 2025

Building work was set to start in early 2025, the council said

A contractor has been appointed to create a new arts and entertainment centre in Worcester, a move described by the city council as a "major milestone" for the project.

The plan will see the Scala building in the city centre turned into a major cultural venue for events and festivals.

The authority has signed a contract with Malvern-based Speller Metcalfe which it said would start work on the Angel Place site in early 2025.

According to the council, the firm will create spaces for "live performance, film, workshops, courses and classes" in a building that first opened as a cinema in 1922.

"Creating a new arts and entertainment centre in Worcester's city centre is an ambitious undertaking for the city council, so it is a major milestone for us to appoint a contractor," said council leader Lynn Denham.

Ms Denham added she was delighted a local contractor would be carrying out the work and delivering a "high quality refurbishment".