A SOCIAL club in Evesham is set to double-up as a children’s day nursery.
The owners of The Bengeworth in Coronation Street want to turn part of the building into a nursery complete with playrooms, an outdoor area and a separate entrance.
Club owner Sue Tredell already runs a day nursery in Worcester and is set to open another in Badsey.
Turning The Bengeworth into a nursery would provide much-needed childcare in the area and help secure the club’s long-term future, she said in plans submitted to Wychavon District Council.
Mrs Tredell, who has owned the club with her family since December 2024, said: “We have met with and listened to locals and ensured continuity of the venue with the same fantastic staff team, whilst working hard to rejuvenate and breathe some life back into the building.
“However, due to their size and the ever-increasing operational costs of both the building and the hospitality sector, the unfortunate truth is that venues like this are no longer viable or sustainable to run.
“The building has changed hands a few times in recent years but we are determined to make this premises viable and secure its long term future as a community hub in Bengeworth.”
The club has more than 8,000 square feet of space, which its owners say “lends itself perfectly for the proposed use” while keeping all of the social club’s facilities intact.
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If plans are approved by the council, the whole building will be refurbished inside and out.
Mrs Tredell said the social club’s opening hours would remain “very similar to existing” meaning there would be little overlap between the club and the nursery.
“The two uses will run mostly in tandem rather than in parallel, utilising the hours in the day when the building is often sat dark and empty,” she said. “We will fill it with light, warmth and joy.”
