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Work begins on new city arts venue

Burrell Foley Fischer An CGI image of what the new Scala arts venue in Worcester will look like. It is a brightly lit stone and brick building with people milling about on a walkway outside.Burrell Foley Fischer
The new venue is due to open in autumn 2026

Work is due to get under way on a new arts and entertainment venue in the centre of Worcester.

The city council said contractors would begin work on the site of the old Scala Theatre on Angel Place on Monday.

Lynn Denham, the leader of the council, described the venue as "something entirely new for Worcester, a creative venue focused on participation, live performance, independent film, visual arts and talent development".

It is due to open in autumn 2026.

The site was operated as a cinema for more than 50 years before closing its doors in 1973.

Since then, it has been used as a leisure centre, a restaurant, a retail space, and most recently as a slot machine arcade.

Worcester City Council A black and white photograph of the Scala in Worcester as it used to be. "Scala Cinema" is printed in large letters high up on the side of the building. A sign is informing people that The Captain's Paradise, starring Alec Guinness, is currently showing.Worcester City Council
The Scala was run as a cinema for more than 50 years

The city council said the new Scala would be comprised of three main spaces - one for live performances, one for films, live broadcasts and talks, and another for workshops, courses and "digital experiences".

The building will now disappear behind hoardings while the work is carried out.

It is being funded with part of a £17.9m grant from the government's Future High Street Fund.

"The vibrancy of our city centre is so important for the economy of all of Worcester, and our wider region," said Denham.

"Our £9.68m works to the beautiful Scala building will unlock private sector investment to help bring new footfall into the city centre and support the established business community."

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