CrownGate's new heart of glass

THIS is the first image of the distinctive new glass store which will form the centrepiece of the ongoing £5 million redevelopment of Worcester’s CrownGate Shopping Centre.

Centre owner the Crown Estate has now begun work on the overhaul of the ageing glass pavilion in Bell Square, which has housed a variety of retailers over the years including a gift shop, flower sellers and a mobile phone store.

The old, conservatory-style building beside Huntingdon Hall has been demolished and will be replaced with an entirely new all-glass structure. It is not yet known which retailer will take up residence in the unusual premises once work finishes this autumn.

Jim Yates, head of development at the Crown Estate, said: “The pavilion in Bell Square is not only in a prominent location, but it has immense potential.

“The new pavilion will provide a unique and far more suitable retail space, thus increasing the appeal of Chapel Walk for quality retailers.”

Estate bosses say the former pavilion building was “unsuited to the needs of modern retailers”, and are confident about attracting a prominent retailer to the premises once work on both the new store and the rest of Chapel Walk is completed in several months' time.

The renovation of Chapel Walk has included work to improve ceiling heights, install new lighting and a comprehensive re-paving program.

A spokeswoman for the Estate described the work as “a significant investment that will enhance the shopping experience in CrownGate.”

She added: “The focus of the redevelopment plan has been to sensitively introduce fresh, contemporary finishes within Chapel Walk’s historic context.

“With new paving, ceilings, eco-friendly lighting and glazed canopies, the transformation of the pavilion into a focal point for Chapel Walk has been welcomed by tenants.”

Mr Yates paid tribute to the patience of existing shop-owners within the centre, who have had to suffer months of building work during 2009.

He said: “The tenants have been incredibly understanding and positive about the development, which we know will help to ensure the success of CrownGate’s current and future retail operators.”

The Crown Estate also recently completed the refurbishment of the former TJs Bar on nearby Broad Street, which it bought last year.

The derelict Grade II-listed building had become one of Worcester's biggest eyesores, but has now been restored to its former glory. It is expected to become either a shop or a coffee bar once a new tenant has been found.