Heritage grants for historic road

Buildings along an historic route into a city centre are to be restored in a three-year scheme.

English Heritage and Worcester City Council are offering repair grants of £850,000 to buildings on Foregate Street and The Tything.

Any restoration to the mostly listed buildings must retain as much historic fabric as possible.

The scheme, which begins in January 2007, aims to re-establish the route as a "vibrant" entrance into Worcester.

'Unloved buildings'

Will Scott, principal conservation officer at Worcester City Council, said: "Foregate Street and The Tything have a special character that adds to the diversity and mix of retail activity as well as commercial and living accommodation.

"It's fair to say, however, that a number of buildings look a little bit unloved are in need of some care and attention.

"Hopefully, with the extra finance and expertise of English Heritage on board, we can encourage owners and those with long leases to carry out external repairs and reinstatement works to historic buildings and to make improvements to public spaces."

It is hoped that archive evidence for lost architectural features can be used as the basis for further work.

Mr Scott added that initial reaction to the scheme from building owners along the route has been very positive.