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Plans for Worcester's waterfront

See the plans for Worcester's waterfront

Three new bridges, a landmark public square and a lighthouse are among the key features of an ambitious £25m project unveiled by Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council.

The plans in more detail

They need lottery funding before the plans can become a reality, and the councils will be competing with around 150 projects nationwide for a share of £140m available through the National Lottery’s Living Landmarks initiative.

Included in the scheme are three new foot/cycle bridges

There would also be new public space outside the planned new library, which could be used will all the year round as, for example, an amphitheatre in the summer and as an ice rink in the winter.

On the western Quayside there are proposals to build a spectacular ‘light house’ which would offer a 360° views across the river and surrounding areas.

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Speaking at the launch of the bid Worcester City Council’s Chief Executive David Wareing said: "The River Severn has sometimes been viewed as something that divides, rather then unites Worcester.

"But we believe we can create an environment that draws people to the waterfront areas and helps them to see the river not just as something to cross but as something to celebrate.

"The river is already a landmark and water is the embodiment of life, so we feel uniquely positioned to take advantage of the Living Landmark programme and create a long-lasting legacy for the city and riverside areas.

"The bidding local authorities are being encouraged to submit unusual and imaginative applications.

"Projects need to have a ‘Wow Factor’ if they are to have any chance of success and we certainly feel that our plans have that something special about them."

The council’s bid has to be submitted in January and will discover in April if it has made it through the first wave of selections.