A major initiative to create a new £9.68m arts and entertainment centre in Worcester has taken a step forward with construction contractor Speller Metcalfe arriving on site to start work on the new facility.

Scala, based in a historic former cinema in Angel Place, will host live performance events alongside independent film, visual arts and a wide range creative activities, as well as a programme of educational outreach and talent development.

Worcester City Council leader Lynn Denham, together with Scala’s interim creative directors, Kitty Ross and Hannah Phillips, welcomed James Speller, managing director of Malvern-based construction company Speller Metcalfe to the city centre site.

The art deco building is now set to disappear behind hoardings for 18 months before opening in its new form in the autumn of 2026.

Cllr 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 £9.68m 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.”

James Speller, managing director of Speller Metcalfe, 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 Scala building in Angel Place 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.

The neighbouring Corn Exchange, in Angel Street, will be regenerated as part of a second phase of the scheme and will provide food and drink facilities and additional workshop and performance space.

The renovation of the former Scala cinema is being made possible by a share of the £17.9m grant that Worcester City Council secured from the previous government’s Future High Street Fund.

Planning permission for the scheme was approved in March 2024.