Whenever I talk to long term residents of the city I get the impression that they like to live in aspic wishing for Worcester to remain as it is, or even revert to older times. There is this feeling that the city lacks vibrancy and youthful enthusiasm for moving forwards.
However, there are signs of change, often driven by the Local Enterprise Partnership [LEP] and a number of initiatives, like the advane planned Worcester Parkway intended to dramatically reduce train times to London.
Now a new initiative, yet to find funding, has been proposed for the city that really could put Worcester on the map.
A 1,000m raised walkway planned for Worcester could help keep the city open during floods, developers say.
The Worcester Green Skywalk would link The Hive library, the racecourse, Foregate Street Station and shopping areas with the university with aim is to help boost Worcester’s profile around the world.
Inspired by New York’s High Line aerial park, designers said it would include the world’s longest “green wall”, featuring a variety of plants.
The new walkway, starting in Henwick Road, would swirl under the existing railway arches to lead up towards The Hive, signalling the creation of the world’s biggest ‘green network’ of flora and fauna along the pedestrianised route and opening up a derelict viaduct near Orchard House, in Farrier Street in a daring transformation.
Although it has yet to secure funding the project has been talked about privately for some years and a study has been produced, backed by the county and city councils, Worcestershire’s Local Enterprise Partnership and university suggesting the economic benefits could top £217 million.
A feasibility study has been carried out and consultation opens on Thursday. An exhibition opens in the city’s guildhall later in the month.