A government fund to help local authorities develop brownfield sites into housing for local people will benefit Worcester as £985,000 has been allocated to bring disused land to life as a residential development. Up to 76 homes will be built around Shrub Hill as part of a broader plan to redevelop the area into an attractive location.
The government’s ‘Brownfield land Release Fund’ will boost local areas by transforming unloved and disused sites into vibrant communities for people to live and work, with the demolition of unsightly derelict buildings and disused car parks and garages.
The development is part of a collaboration between Worcestershire County Council and Worcester City Council for the transformation of Shrub Hill Station, industrial estate and surrounding canal side for employment and residential uses. The area is a top priority area for redevelopment for both councils as well as Worcester MP Robin Walker. The latest announcement of funds is additional to the £19.6 million Towns Fund, part of which will pay for the work to develop the Shrub Hill Quarter.
Robin Walker said:
"To ensure a prosperous future for our communities here in Worcester we have to ensure that people have access to good quality, affordable housing. However, this must not be at a cost of the important green spaces that are a key part of the natural character of our area. Bringing brownfield sites back into use by developing residential property ensures the best of both worlds, ensuring unloved areas can be brought back to life in a way that residents can be proud of.
"I have been pressing government colleagues hard to ensure that Worcester is a beneficiary of the government's levelling up agenda. The city and wider area has tremendous potential, some of which is currently not being met, and I am determined that we will get the resources we need to ensure we are at the front of the queue. This funding is evidence our government is putting its money where its mouth is and its confidence in Worcester."
Councillor Marc Bayliss, cabinet member for economy and skills at Worcestershire County Council, said:
“It’s great news that we’ve been awarded funding of £985,000 as part of the wider regeneration plans for the Shrub Hill Quarter in Worcester.
“The Shrub Hill development is a joint collaboration between the county council and Worcester City Council and includes the transformation of Shrub Hill station, the adjacent industrial estate as well as the surrounding canalside area for employment and residential uses.
“The project will be a stimulus for the wider regeneration of the area and the funds awarded will be used to support the first stage of this exciting opportunity.”
Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, said:
“Urban regeneration is central to levelling up the whole country and building new homes on neglected brownfield sites is a key part of this vision.
“I’m delighted that, through our Brownfield Land Release Fund, Worcestershire will receive £985,000 to build high quality new homes in Worcester’s Shrub Hill Quarter, part of an exciting new regeneration project.
“The Government is delivering the new homes the country needs while prioritising brownfield sites, to revitalise our much-loved towns and cities.”