Bath Road, Worcester

K1, Worcester

K2, Worcester

Commercial Property

20th September 2004

A strategic site, abutting Worcester’s retail core and the River Severn will be transformed into a landmark apartment scheme by the city’s most prominent developer, having been granted planning consent by the cathedral city’s Council.

Bounded by Newport Street, All Saints Road and Dolday, the land was part owned by Worcester City Council and has been in a semi-derelict state of decline for decades. Now, after over a year of consultations with English Heritage, archaeological experts, The Environment Agency and Council planners, Neil Grinnall Homes has received the go-ahead for an architecturally significant development that will dramatically enhance its historic, waterside setting.

Incorporating 84 design led apartments and two ground floor retail units, the contemporary four-storey building will also act as a new education trail for Worcester with wall-mounted plaques along Newport Street revealing its ancient roots.

Neil Grinnall, Chairman of Neil Grinnall Homes commented: “Since the Georgian buildings that once occupied Newport Street were demolished in the 1920’s, this site has had a blighted history. Previously known as a bus station and now as a car park, it has been a shameful blot on Worcester’s infamous river frontage.

“Having been rejected by many larger developers due to its environmental and archaeological challenges, we have invested considerable funds in conceptualising a scheme that will truly serve the city community. In consultation with English Heritage, an iconic, contemporary design has been chosen for the site that celebrates the historical buildings surrounding it. And, what’s more it will prove without doubt that sustainable modern development can successfully combine with traditional architecture to breath new life and opportunity into this great cathedral city.

“This will be our largest residential project to date and one of the area’s largest, most prominent single buildings. By designing and developing Newport Street to an exceptionally high standard, we hope to make the people of Worcester immensely proud of the new found confidence in its city environment.” 

With an end development value of £22 million, enabling work will commence shortly to demolish a number of poorly designed, mid-century buildings that currently occupy part of the 0.7 acre development site. Acquired in conjunction with Birmingham based Countrywide Homes, Neil Grinnall’s latest development will feature an innovative roofing style, which is set to blend effortlessly with Worcester’s enviable historic skyline. Designed by award-winning architects Turner Woolford Sharp, the new building has also been specifically intended to make a greater focal point of the adjacent 18^th Century All Saints Church, which can be seen from miles around. 

The one and two bedroom apartments will range in size from 420 sq ft to 800 sq ft and over 50 per cent will enjoy stunning riverside views. This will be Neil Grinnall Homes’ sixth development project in central Worcester and it is thought that the prime location and tremendous outlook could see the Newport Street development becoming one of the best residential addresses in the city.

Neil Grinnall added: “For too long now, many strategic sites in Worcester have been in decline with an uncertain future, although they are clearly ripe for redevelopment. Conservationists and some inflexible members of the public have voiced great fears and reservations about any new development proposals, which has inadvertently held Worcester back from the continuous process of evolution that other great cities have wholly embraced.

“Whilst it would be nonsensical to consider demolishing any buildings of architectural significance, many poor quality buildings lie amongst Worcester’s historical treasures. Our immensely successful collaboration between the various conservation and environmental bodies who have an interest in the Newport Street area has proved that Worcester is now ready to embrace high quality, contemporary design. By redeveloping various mid-century buildings that are quite apparent unsustainable city eyesores now appears to be the accepted way forward here and we are delighted to act as trail-blazers with this new landmark development.” 

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 at Newport Street