The redesign of Worcester’s historic high street is a good example of the complexities involved in urban design and regeneration.

Given the town’s Roman and other historical treasures, and the fact that this high profile area of the town touches everyone in the community, it was important to get all stakeholders engaged in its transformation.

Halcrow set up extensive partnerships with local people, from council officers to traders and the public, in order to ensure the success of the project. Our brief was to conserve the archaeological treasures and simplify and redesign the streetscape to make it more attractive to pedestrians and shoppers.

The final design incorporated high-quality paving materials with traditional street furniture to reflect the town’s history. Street furniture was positioned to keep footways clear for pedestrians and to provide access for delivery vehicles. Lighting columns on pavements were removed and replaced with lighting brackets attached to buildings. Additional uplighting was added to trees.