Artists studio at Arch 64 off Foregate Street, Worcester

“This application relates to Arch 64, one of a series of Victorian railway arches located directly adjacent to Worcester Foregate Street Station and positioned beneath the historic railway viaduct along Foregate Street. The site is a locally listed building falling within the Historic City Conservation Area.”

“As a result of the demolition, Arch 64 previously accessible only via a narrow corridor between the building and the viaduct has been fully revealed. The arch now presents a prominent brick façade, featuring characteristic ‘railway’ style arched windows.”

“Conclusion 8.1 The proposal represents a sensitive and well-considered scheme for the reuse of a non- designated heritage asset located within the Historic City Conservation Area. The change of use to an artist’s studio aligns with the wider objectives of the Cultural Development Fund and the Arches Project, which seek to support creative industries and regenerate underused historic infrastructure in the city centre.”

“Overall, the proposed development is considered to comply with the relevant national and local planning policies, including the NPPF (2024), Policies SWDP 6, SWDP 24 and SWDP 21 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan, and the statutory duties under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.”

“Committee Members were encouraged to see spaces being brought back into use and the work that has been done to bring back the aesthetics. It was asked if there was any risk to the main brickwork structure and whether there were any proposals for ventilation between the inner lining and the arch. Also were there any proposals for the concrete floor which will push any moisture outwards towards the walls.”

“Some Members were disappointed about the change of use and would have preferred a safe cycle storage area. This would set the City Council further ahead of others in terms of having better cycle storage in the city. It was considered a missed opportunity to provide such a facility. The Chair in response believed there was to be another arch potentially to be used for such a purpose.”

“RESOLVED: That the Committee delegate authority to the Head of Planning and Economic Development, subject to consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Planning Committee to:”