Godwin Developments, working in partnership with Lowesmoor Regeneration has submitted plans for a brand new £85m waterside community in Worcester
The waterside development site, which currently contains a mix of industrial and warehousing units, is designated as an area for redevelopment within the Worcester City Centre Masterplan.
It is located within the Canalside quarter of the city.
Designed by architects Apt, the proposed scheme will feature seven buildings of varied height containing 271 apartments, 30,000 sq ft of office, 9,000 sq ft of retail and 8,400 sq ft of food and entertainment space.
It will also provide 465 bicycle storage spaces for residents, a further 218 for public use and 10 electric vehicles (EV) charging points promoting a car-free environment and supporting better air quality.
As part of Godwin’s commitment to working with the local community, the business recently conducted a virtual consultation on the plans with partners Lowesmoor Regeneration Ltd.
Lowesmoor Wharf will refurbish some of the existing buildings and provide canal-inspired features that form part of the site. The retained buildings along with the new archway designs and materials used will give the scheme a sense of character and identity, promoting a distinctive sense of place.
The waterside development will also feature new public squares and morning/sunset terraces, creating pedestrianised open spaces that are both appealing and instantly recognisable as a destination in Worcester.
More than new homes
Matt Chandler, associate director at Godwin Developments, said: “We want to breathe new life into this important part of Worcester – building on its industrial heritage to create an exciting residential and commercial development in the centre of the city.
“We plan to transform the former canals into water features, paying homage to the rich canal history of Worcester and the wider Midlands region.
“These will provide a focal point of the development and its new waterside apartments, cafes and restaurants, proposed as a part of the scheme.”
Jason Geen, studio leader at Apt, added: “We have been working with Godwin and the wider team associated with Lowesmoor Wharf for three years and are thrilled to see the milestone of a formal planning application being reached this summer.
“The project is a ‘regeneration masterplan’ in the truest sense of the word, bringing to life a long-overlooked, but important centrally-located site in Worcester.
“It is ideally positioned for local transport links to enable placemaking and a pedestrian orientated public realm to be at the very heart of the proposals.
“Alongside this there are homes, community infrastructure opportunities, workspace, small retail and food and drink offers. It’s a fantastic project and one which the Apt studio are very proud to be associated with.”