Public gardens have been transformed after an 18-month refurbishment, with Worcester’s city leaders visiting the historic green space to celebrate its new look.
St Andrew’s Gardens in Worcester has undergone a transformation aimed at improving accessibility and creating a more inviting public space.
The £252,000 project was funded by £180,000 from the Government and £72,000 from developer contributions.
The new entrance, located at the Copenhagen Street and Deansway junction, incorporates references to Worcester’s glove-making heritage, which gave St Andrew’s Spire its well-known “Glovers’ Needle” nickname.
Landscaping completed over the winter has improved biodiversity and connectivity, linking the city’s High Street with Riverside Park.
Council leaders, including the Mayor of Worcester Councillor Tor Pingree and Deputy Mayor Councillor Karan Holmes, recently visited the gardens to mark the completion.
Their visit also marked a first for the city, with all three most senior civic and political roles currently held by women.
Councillor Lynn Denham, leader of Worcester City Council, said: “It was a pleasure to visit St Andrew’s Gardens with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to celebrate both the completion of this excellent project and a historic moment for Worcester.
“These improvements will benefit residents and visitors for years to come, creating better access through the gardens and a greener, more welcoming and accessible gateway between the city centre and the riverside.
“I am delighted that the gardens now include new commemoration of the glove-making industry, which was the backbone of Worcester’s economy for many decades, employing 30,000 people at its peak in the early 19th century.”
The refurbishment included relocating a piece of the city’s heritage.
The original tip of the Glovers’ Needle spire, removed in the 1920s, was previously installed at ground level by the great-great-grandfather of stonemason Lewis Allard but was not easily visible.
Working with the project team, Mr Allard has now helped move the historic stonework to a prominent spot in the gardens, where it can serve as a piece of public art.
The improved gardens now feature a reprofiled and resurfaced pathway, shallow steps to the neighbouring Copenhagen Street car park, and a more gradual incline from the Deansway pedestrian crossing to the riverside.
The project included input from Sight Concern to ensure accessibility for all visitors.
