City arts scheme boosted with £1.73m decision

The government has agreed that funding awarded to Worcester City Council can be used to revamp the Grade-II-listed Corn Exchange.

In total, £1.73m can be spent on the second stage of the Scala arts centre scheme, the restoration of the theatre, on Angel Street, Worcester.

A council spokesperson said the money would transform the Corn Exchange into a base for food and drink sales at the arts centre as well as it becoming an extra performance space, with an opening planned for autumn 2026.

The leader of Worcester City Council, Lynn Denham, said: "The development of the Corn Exchange will ensure that Scala arts centre will be able to offer the complete experience when it opens next year.

"It's another piece in the jigsaw of this fantastic initiative that will change the character of Angel Street and Angel Place, making it one of the most attractive destinations in our city."

Work on the main theatre scheme started in January.

The government has also provided £370,000 for a revamp of 6 Angel Place, next to the Scala building.

The former party shop is currently being used as a base by builders Speller Metcalfe, which is carrying out the refurbishment work.

The extra funding will see the building converted into an office space for Scala and a co-working space for creative groups in the city.

An extra £233,000 will be used to create an outdoor performance and social space at Angel Place, in front of the main Scala building, a city council spokesperson added.

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