Council chiefs are having another go at finding a developer to regenerate Worcester’s Shrub Hill Quarter.
A previous attempt to find an investor for the multi-million-pound scheme resulted in a “poor” response from potential partners.
But Worcestershire County Council says lessons have been learnt and councillors are confident of a more positive outcome this time around.
LISTENED: Adam Kent said the council has learned from previous failed attempts to find investors (Image: Phil Wilkinson-Jones/LDRS)
Adam Kent, cabinet member for finance, corporate services, and business, said he was “gutted” in November last year when the procurement response was insufficient.
“We’ve listened and learnt, and the market has told us we need more flexibility,” he told a cabinet meeting on Thursday (July 23).
“Bidders can discuss proposals with us rather than guess what we want—it costs a lot of money to bid for these schemes.”
POTENTIAL: An artist’s impression of the Shrub Hill Quarter scheme (Image: Shrub Hills Quarter SPD)
Cllr Kent described Shrub Hill Quarter as “one of the most significant development opportunities in the West Midlands—minutes from the city centre and the motorway network.”
“It is a major brownfield site right next to the train station with links into Parkway.”
The council wants a developer to take on the site on an initial five-year lease.
It plans to go out to tender in the autumn and then draw up a shortlist of four preferred investors.
SOUL: Jabba Riaz wants Shrub Hill Quarter to have “community, soul and character” (Image: Phil Wilkinson-Jones)
Cllr Kent said he has made Shrub Hill Quarter, a plan for 500 homes, shops, offices, and public space, a “personal priority” since returning to the cabinet.
“The best bid will win on its merits,” he insisted, adding that any income from the site would be used to help pay off the emergency budget support the council has been given by the government over the past two years.
He admitted it could take three years to clear the site and several more to develop it.
The council is likely to release the 14-hectare site in phases.
Worcester councillor Jabba Riaz called for the development to have “community, soul, and character,” saying that hasn’t always ended up being the case with previous developments despite initial intentions.
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“The whole package needs to reflect an improved quality of life and quality of living,” he said.
Former council leader Adrian Hardman said: “The last time we failed and the market has worsened since then.
“You might have to consider a different business model from a traditional sale but it’s worth giving it a go.
“I can imagine someone offering £1 for it and doing nothing with it for years,” he said but described the site as a “gateway to Worcester”.
