Revealed
Multi-million pound plans will transform city estate

Buy photos » An artist’s impression of the proposed redevelopment of Gresham Road. (s)

THIS picture provides a first glimpse of an ambitious £12million redevelopment which is set to transform the heart of Dines Green.

A new youth centre, church and 53 homes would all be created on Gresham Road and the site of the closed Mayflower pub, under proposals revealed by Worcester Community Housing (WCH).

It is hoped the project will breathe new life into the run-down part of the estate with 14 homes, shops, St Michael’s Church and the existing youth centre all being bulldozed to make way for the new development.

The scheme would be mainly funded by WCH along with the support of £2million from the Government Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

A consultation with residents began this week with WCH keen to submit plans to the city council by May.

If they are given the green light building work could begin early next year and be completed by March 2015.

Stewart Mountfield, chief executive of WCH, said it was an opportunity for real change and the chance to improve the environment right at the heart of the estate.

“It is pretty tired and dilapidated and as the biggest landowner we have decided to take the lead and see if we can make a difference,” he said.

“Anyone who has walked down there would know it’s a bit hotchpotch, with a derelict pub, big open spaces in front of the shops and some very tired looking buildings.

"But you have the Green Centre behind which is a genuine hub and I think we can bring back some vibrancy and give people back a sense of pride in what has always been the heart of the community.”

The development would include the creation of 14 two bed and ten three-bed homes, three two bed bungalows, 26 two-bed flats as well as up to seven new shops. The existing Co-op building is not owned by WCH and would remain untouched.

WCH has already started talking to tenants and shop owners affected by the proposed demolition and a public exhibition of the plans is being held from 12pm to 4pm at St Michael’s Church on Saturday.

The Bishop of Worcester Dr John Inge said the Church was pleased to be supporting the regeneration of Dines Green.

“I believe such a transformation of the housing and the environment will help to foster a greater sense of hope and esteem within the community,” he added.