A major milestone has been reached in the creation of a new arts and entertainment hub for Worcester, as construction work officially begins on the transformation of the historic Scala cinema in Angel Place.

The project, spearheaded by Worcester City Council, aims to revitalise the city centre by boosting footfall and creating a vibrant cultural venue. Once complete, Scala will host live performances, independent film screenings, visual arts exhibitions, and a variety of creative activities. It will also feature educational outreach programs and talent development initiatives.

Council Leader Cllr Lynn Denham joined Scala's interim Creative Directors, Kitty Ross and Hannah Phillips, in welcoming James Speller, Managing Director of Malvern-based construction firm Speller Metcalfe, to the site.

The art deco cinema will now be hidden behind hoardings for the next 18 months as work progresses. The revamped Scala is expected to open its doors in the autumn of 2026, blending its historic charm with modern facilities to create a dynamic arts venue.

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Cllr Lynn Denham said: "When it opens in 2026, Scala will be a new centre for arts and entertainment here in the centre of our city. It will be something entirely new for Worcester, a creative venue focused on participation, live performance, independent film, visual arts and talent development.

"It will be a community space, open daytime and evenings, where people can socialise and experience exciting things. It will complement, not compete with, the arts and entertainment venues that our city already has.

"The vibrancy of our city centre is so important for the economy of all of Worcester, and our wider region. Our £9.68 million 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.

"This is an incredibly exciting project and I would encourage people to find out more and sign up for regular updates at scalaworcester.co.uk, or to search Scala Worcester on their favourite social media platform."

James Speller, Managing Director of Speller Metcalfe Ltd, said: "We're delighted to start work on the regeneration of the Scala building. As a local contractor, we understand how important the new arts and entertainment centre will be for Worcester and the surrounding community."

The project will see the renovation of the beautiful Scala building in Angel Place, which opened as a cinema in 1922 and was a popular entertainment destination until closing in June 1973. Since then it has been home to many different functions and businesses, with the most recent being a slot machine arcade.

When it opens, Scala will offer three main spaces - The Stage for live performances and other workshops; The Screen for films, live broadcasts, and talks plus, thanks to retractable seating and a spring floor, dance and exercise; and The Box for new and exciting digital experiences, workshops, courses and classes. The facilities at Scala will also be available for private hire.