Plans to turn Worcester high street building into hotel to be considered
The proposal is to go before Worcester City Council’s planning committee today (16 April)
A plan to turn a site of a former Worcester Debenhams store that has been empty for more than five years into a 63-bedroom hotel is set to go before the city council's planning committee.
The building on the high street shut as a Debenhams in January 2021, which was then followed by an unsuccessful bid to turn it into a food hall.
Worcester-based architect Nick Carroll unveiled plans to turn it into a hotel and commercial space back in February 2024, with formal plans being submitted to the council in November last year.
It's now due to be decided on by Worcester City Council's planning committee at a meeting today (16 April), with planning officers recommending it for approval.
Agenda papers for it state: "Bringing a vacant flagship building within Worcester High Street back into use is actively supported and encouraged by officers and the proposed mixed-use development is considered to be acceptable in this location.
“It is of an appropriate type and scale for the location and building and there will be no unacceptable adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring occupiers.”
Included in the plans is a third floor extension, which officers say this would not have a negative impact on the city’s skyline.
It sets out that rooms would be on the first, second and third floors and it would have a lobby on the ground floor but no ‘front desk’, with bookings taken online only.
The hotel is also expected to create 15 full-time jobs.
“The proposal will produce significant economic activity both during the construction phase and during operation of the new facility,” the council’s report added.
Kula, which already has hotels in London, Birmingham and Manchester, will run the newest addition to Worcester city centre should planning permission be granted.