14th April 2004

Landmark site in worcester city centre set to be transformed into £22 million residential development

Worcestershire based developer Neil Grinnall Homes has acquired the former Newport Street Bus Station in Worcester city centre and hopes to transform the site into a landmark residential scheme of over 100 luxury apartments.

In conjunction with Birmingham based Countrywide Homes, Neil Grinnall Homes is discussing detailed proposals with Worcester City Council Conservation Officers to demolish all existing buildings on the 0.9 acre development site. This will make way for a new design-led building, which could rise to eight stories. Mixed-use development at street level is also scheduled to be incorporated within the £22 million landmark scheme, which is being designed by award-winning architects Turner Wolford Sharp.

Neil Grinnall, Chairman of Neil Grinnall Homes commented: “The Newport Street development site will become the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Worcester’s continued redevelopment. Our current proposals for the scheme enable views of the River Severn to be enjoyed from the majority of apartments whilst the core shopping district is only moments away. The prime location and tremendous views could see this site becoming one of the best residential addresses in the city.

“This will be our sixth project in Worcester to date and we are on track to inject £320 million worth of investment into the city over the next two to three years. In addition to the Newport Street proposals, we are also working to acquire further key sites in Worcester city centre to be redeveloped as quality hotel, mixed-use schemes and leisure venues.”

The Newport Street site lies next to the Bridge Street Conservation Area, very close to the bank of the River Severn, however compensatory flood plains have already been approved. Along with the company’s in-house specialists, there are currently 17 external consultants working up development proposals to be put forward to Worcester’s Planning Committee by early summer.

Neil Grinnall Homes has been responsible for conceptualising Worcester’s city living phenomenon and has built up an extensive portfolio of residential and mixed-use developments in the region. The company’s K1, K2 and Bath Road schemes in central Worcester are currently under construction, along with Hadzor Hall in Droitwich Spa. The next scheme due to be launched is the £15 million Albion Mill conversion at the Diglis canal basin in the city centre. Formerly occupied by Worcester Royal Porcelain the building, which dates back to the 1800’s, is set to be transformed into prime waterside loft style apartments.

Neil Grinnall added: “Most developers cover a large area and rarely build more than one development in each city or town location. I grew up in Worcestershire and my family and I have always lived here, developing a stronger bond than most for the region. Through Neil Grinnall Homes, I am totally committed to making a significant contribution to the ongoing regeneration of Worcester city centre and the surrounding area.

“By the end of this year it is likely that we will have four landmark developments on site in central Worcester with even more working their way through the planning process. Whilst Worcester is renowned for its historical buildings and cultural attractions, little has been done in recent decades to replenish derelict, underused buildings that were built on the turn, or throughout the 20th Century. Rather than adopting the usual strategy of spreading our development portfolio thinly to avoid overexposure, we are fully committed to acquiring a large number of previously used ‘brownfield’ sites in the cathedral city. Our proposed regeneration schemes will provide new homes and community facilities, placing Worcester on the map as a dynamic 21st Century city, successfully combining new breakthrough developments with a historic past.”