Worcester Arches Set for Boost Thanks to Foregate Street Connection

Rupert Davidson co-owns Art Hospitality. They run Burger Shop and Maneki Ramen. People thought opening in the Arches was crazy. The Arches are on Cherry Tree Walk.

Now, a project may prove those people wrong. A new path will open from Foregate Street station. They will demolish Jaqk’s, a former takeaway. This creates the new route.

Davidson said they took the arches in 2016. Back then, it was mostly mechanics. They found the arches cool. His company likes unused buildings. People thought they were nuts to open there. He saw the area’s potential.

Art Hospitality opened Burger Shop in 2017. Maneki Ramen opened in 2021. These spots helped make the Arches popular. It became an independent business hub. Other businesses are also there now, such as Axe Junkies and Method Roastery.

Art Hospitality helped get funding for a new route. It connects the station to the riverside. Davidson spoke to the council and Worcester BID. He suggested connecting Foregate Street to the river and helped get the bid in 2017.

The Arches project is nearly finished. This final phase will connect businesses to Foregate Street. Maneki, Burger Shop, and other spots will gain. Davidson seems very excited.

He feels the new route will increase foot traffic. Many people will discover the businesses. Opening a gate near The Hive helped quite a bit. Foot traffic went up by 50 percent, and he expects a big boost.

Worcester City Council commented that the entrance from Foregate Street is almost done. They are adding finishing touches right now, and it should open in a few weeks.