Takeaway demolished for Arches development

The work on Foregate Street will be completed by the end of July

Demolition work is set to begin to create a new walking and cycling entrance to a major development in Worcester.

The former Jaqk’s takeaway on Foregate Street, next to the railway bridge, is being knocked down to open up access from the station to The Arches, Worcester City Council said.

The new walkway will have improved lighting to ensure that the route between Foregate Street and the riverside is safe to use during the evening and at night.

The work is the final phase of a project which has seen five railway arches redeveloped to create new spaces for creative enterprises.

The £4.5m scheme been paid for by the government's Cultural Development Fund.

• Listen: Transforming Worcester's railway arches

The council's place and economic development committee chair, Robyn Norfolk, said: “Once finished, the route will provide a more attractive welcome to the city from the train station down to the river."

He said he hoped the new space would attract more independent food and drink, retail, cultural and commercial businesses to Foregate Street.

The demolition plans were approved last year and work is set to begin later this month and be completed by the end of July, the council said.

Paving and other works will then take place, with The Arches walkway due to open in the autumn.