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Businesses in one of Worcester’s most historic streets are breathing a sigh of relief after the completion of the roadworks at Cathedral Square.
Some of the 40 firms in Friar Street which includes pubs, boutiques, cafes and hairdressers as well as the Tudor House Museum have been hit hard by the temporary long diversion route which has been in place for over a month but they are now hopeful that the new road layout will reap rewards after it opened for the first time today (Tuesday).
The roadworks have made it hard for traffic coming in from City Walls Road, London Road and Bath Road to access the road and their on street parking. Footfall and spend has declined during the period.
‘It has been frustrating’ admitted owner of 25 Boutique, Becky Sutcliffe ‘but hopefully it will have been short term pain for a long term gain. We are all keen to ensure to our loyal as well as new customers that it is now business as usual in this beautiful street as we head towards Christmas. With the recent news that the city is looking to gain Heritage City status, what we must now seek is increased provision for coach dropping off areas for our visitors which has been lost because of the redevelopment of the Cathedral Square island whilst appreciating that it was only an unofficial dropping off point.’
Kate Oliver, Manager at menswear retailer Pockets in Friar Street added ‘there is no excuse not to access Friar Street now which is great news. The next 6 weeks are crucial for any business and so we are really pleased that getting to Friar Street and visiting all of our wonderful businesses is back to normal with free limited stay on street parking.’
Worcester BID have also brokered a deal that allows businesses to give out discounted NCP car park passes for the neighbouring Cathedral Square car park to their customers when they spend over a certain amount. Hazel Shepherd, the BID Business Liaison Manager added ‘we are very keen to support the traders in what is one of Worcester’s iconic streets and NCP were delighted to put together a package that works for them and the businesses next door.’
8 businesses in Friar Street have also signed up to provide exclusive offers for the Uniquely Worcester campaign also being led by the Worcester BID which aims to promote the quality and variety of the city’s 330 independent businesses. A further 9 offers are available in nearby Charles Street, New Street and Pump Street with the offer cards available at a host of businesses in the city centre. Full details are available at www.uniquelyworcester.com
