NEW SCAFFOLDING will be needed around Angel House for further works to be carried out, the site owners have confirmed.
The Crown Estates confirmed the latest development in an e-mail to businesses on Lower Broad Street seen by the Observer.
Urgent work on the Grade II listed Poundland building at Angel House was carried out after it closed in May 2021 for renovations.
However, storms in November caused the building to be at risk of partial collapse and led to large scaffolding panels to be wrapped around it, effectively partially blocking part of Broad Street.
We reported last week on the anger from traders such as Tim Evans from Toys and Games of Worcester who accused the landlords of a ‘lack of respect’ for their businesses.
Since the start of the pandemic, four businesses have closed and are now empty within 50 metres of these works.
In an e-mail to local traders regarding the new scaffolding, the Crown Estates said:
“We wanted to make you aware in advance as the signage being installed around the current hoarding will have to be taken off for periods of time to enable this.
“We do not have programme for this as yet as the scaffold design and scope of works for phase two has not yet been finalised, please be reassured our contractors continue to work on site to finish the phase one works.
“In the interim, the site compound has been relocated and we will be painting the metal structure to enhance presentation.
“Installation of the signage panels to the design previously circulated will be completed within 10 working days. We will confirm an exact date once we have confirmation from the contractor,” the e-mail read.
In response, Mr Evans said: “We all agree after safety the most important issue at hand is minimising the impact of these works on local traders.
“Everything needs to be done to maintain this area as an attractive and viable place to undertake business. We don’t think this has been the case up to this point.”
The Crown Estates declined the opportunity to offer a statement.
