New owners plan big changes to building

AN HISTORIC Droitwich town centre building which dates back to the 1600s is set to be transformed after being bought for £150,000 at auction.

The Grade II listed building on the corner of the High Street and Worcester Road was Wychavon District Council’s Community Contact Centre.

It has been empty since August 2011 when the Contact Centre was relocated to the town’s library in Victoria Square.

But new owners Jacqui Dowdeswell and Andrew Probyn want to give the venue a new lease of life and provide vital shot in the arm for the town’s High Street.

The pair are planning to transform the premises into a vintage tea room with bistro and a shop selling vintage clothes.

Jacqui and Andrew both live locally and also hope to provide a gallery and exhibition space for the crafts and artwork of local artists, subject to the necessary planning consents.

“We’re really excited about our beautiful building and its origins, as Bullocks old Tea Room and Cake Shop. It is an amazing opportunity to sympathetically rejuvenate the building as well as bring people in to the High Street,” Jacqui said.

Vic Allison, Wychavon District Council’s deputy managing director, said: “We’re very pleased that building has sold and we’re happy with the price it achieved.

“We’re also pleased that the new owners have some ambitious ideas and we wish them well in reinvigorating the building,” he added.

The council’s arts officer Jenny Davis, said: “I’m really pleased that the town may get another arts venue.

“This will be great for all the artists out there and locally to sell their work and raise their profiles but also to inspire others.”

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