ESCAPE HUNT WORCESTER BOOKINGS NOW OPEN
Escape Hunt Worcester has opened bookings for their unmissable escape rooms and outdoor experiences, as they set to open their doors on Friday 6th September.
Located in Cathedral Plaza shopping centre, Worcester’s most exciting new attraction will offer epic immersive adventures as well as unique party packages, that cater for birthdays, hen, stag, corporate events and Christmas parties.
Guests will be transported to exciting new worlds as they take on thrilling 5* escape rooms, where they can capture the magical lamp in Aladdin and The Magic Vault, return a stolen amulet in Curse of the Pharaoh, and take on the King of Vampires in the brand-new game Dracula.
Epic outdoor adventures will also be available including the brand-new City Hunt game Vampire Hunters, as well as Time Cops and Return to Wonderland.
Escape Hunt CEO Richard Harpham commented, ‘We’re thrilled to announce bookings are open, and that we’ll be bringing the magic of our immersive entertainment to Worcester. Some of our most popular escape rooms will be opening at the venue including our brand-new games Dracula and Vampire Hunters and we couldn’t be more excited!’
Escape rooms are suitable for ages 8+ and City Hunt adventures are suitable for all ages with under 8’s go free. Prices start from just £25 per person.
To book your experience for Worcester, head to the link HERE.
You can find Escape Hunt at Unit 2, 6 High St Cathedral Square Worcester, WR1 2BY.
Twitter: EscapeHuntUK
Facebook: EscapeHuntWorcester
Instagram: EscapeHuntUK
What would happen if we lost Worcester BID's leadership and investment?
"Worcester BID has been part of city leadership for nearly 15 years. In the past 5 years, significant changes have been made, resulting in real improvements in the City of Worcester for its residents, business owners, and workers. We hope to continue this great work for another 5 with a resounding YES"
~ Samantha McCarthy, Worcester BID CEO
As Worcester continues to grow and evolve, the role of the Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) has never been more critical. The potential loss of Worcester BID would have far-reaching consequences, not just for businesses but for the entire community. Through innovative projects such as Safe Space and Safer Streets Team and strategic partnerships, Worcester BID has significantly contributed to the vibrancy and safety of our city; a contribution totalling over 6 million pounds of investment directly back into the city. The absence of such initiatives would undoubtedly be felt across all sectors.
Indirect Benefits of Our Work
One of the key strengths of Worcester BID lies in the indirect benefits it provides to the city. Seasonal floral displays enhance our space whilst City aerial displays have become a hallmark of Worcester’s charm, shared widely on social media, drawing both locals and tourists alike. These visually stunning additions brighten the cityscape and attract media attention, putting Worcester on the map as a destination worth visiting.
Initiatives like Safe Space Worcester increase consumer confidence, ensuring that the city stays a safe and welcoming environment for all and providing parents with an extra level of security when sending children off to university, or choosing a place to live. Worcester BID's new partnership with The University of Worcester has also added extra reason for future paramedics to choose Worcester with the provision of real-world placements in the City.
Benefits to Services and Clients
Worcester BID’s impact extends beyond the visible enhancements to the city. By providing extra investment, the BID has enabled local service upgrades, such as by adding a connective radio system between CCTV, West Merica Police, Safer Streets Officers and local businesses, resulting in a better experience for business owners and improved crime reduction strategies. Through effective lobbying, the BID has secured funding and resources that contribute to a stronger city infrastructure; in 2023, over £100,000 of added income from grants was injected into projects to benefit the City. This, in turn, makes Worcester an attractive location for new businesses, creates job opportunities, and develops a stronger City to attract new residents to choose Worcester to make home.
Moreover, the BID’s efforts in marketing the city and achieving national accolades have provided a compelling reason for entrepreneurs to start businesses here, whilst keeping partners accountable and moving forward by finding gaps in provisions
and developing solutions. Statistically, our current vacancy rate is below area averages, whilst our independent rate is significantly above, sitting at 67.5%, showing we have fostered and kept a unique city alive. By advancing partner collaborations, the BID has played a crucial role in shaping Worcester into a dynamic and appealing place to live, work, and visit.
What the BID Provides
At its core, Worcester BID is about creating a thriving community. It provides a platform for businesses to collaborate, share resources, and achieve common goals. The BID’s work encompasses a wide range of activities and will always aim to champion the interests of local businesses and residents.
As we look to the future, continued support for Worcester BID is essential. Without it, we risk losing the very initiatives that keep our City ticking. Worcester BID provides not just services, but a vision for a stronger, more connected community—a vision that we cannot afford to lose.
For more information, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn @worcesterbid.
The Impact of Worcester BID: Strengthening Our City Together
Since its inception, Worcester BID has been at the forefront of driving positive change in our city centre. With over £6 million invested, we have worked tirelessly to enhance Worcester, increasing footfall that directly translates into additional income for local businesses. Our commitment extends beyond financial investment; it’s about creating a vibrant, connected, and safe environment for everyone who lives, works, or visits our city.
Our investment has gone far beyond enhancing the streets We have prioritised the creation of safer streets and stronger communities. Through targeted initiatives, we’ve upgraded lighting, added aerial displays that have gained national recognition on Beautiful Britain, enhanced surveillance, and collaborated
closely with local law enforcement. These measures have made Worcester a more secure and welcoming place to enjoy both day and night.
Worcester BID serves as the vital connector in our city, uniting diverse sectors—retail, services, and hospitality—whilst working closely with local governance and advocating on behalf of the business community when needed. We are committed to providing ongoing support and training to local businesses, helping them thrive in an ever-changing market. Our workshops, training sessions, and one-on-one support have empowered businesses to adapt, grow, and meet the needs of their customers more effectively.
The impact on the local economy has been significant. By attracting more visitors to our city, we’ve bolstered Worcester’s reputation as a must-visit destination, having recently been recognised among the top 10 High Streets by retail experts GlobalData. Our supporting work for projects like the ‘Waddle of Worcester’ community art trail has driven footfall, with an additional ten baby BID penguins installed in shop windows and 45 colourful penguin footprints adorning windows across the city. This surge in activity has boosted sales and enhanced wayfinding in areas with limited space for large sculptures, such as New, College, and Pump Street.
Our initiatives have also strengthened Worcester’s night-time economy, transforming it into a bustling hub of activity that is both safe and welcoming. Programmes such as Safe Space support visitors and residents, making them feel secure while enjoying our venues. Creative initiatives like the Lantern Parade and Starlight have brought the community together, drawing families into the city from afternoon until the Light Switch-On, providing businesses with valuable footfall.
As the voice of Worcester, Worcester BID is proud to engage and unite our community. Our work ensures that Worcester remains a thriving, dynamic city where businesses and communities flourish by working together.
For more information about our work, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn @worcesterbid.
Worcester Safe Space Partners with the University of Worcester for Training
In a thrilling new development, Worcester Safe Space has announced a collaborative initiative with the University of Worcester to offer paramedic students hands-on, real-world training. This partnership aims to enrich the educational experience of future emergency medical professionals while bolstering the city's commitment to public safety.
Operating every Friday and Saturday night, Safe Space is a vital presence in Worcester's nightlife, dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, students, and visitors. Since its inception in December 2023, with robust support from local leaders, Worcester BID, and key stakeholders, Safe Space has not only become a cornerstone of the city’s nighttime economy but also embodies a long-term pledge to enhance nightlife safety. With funding secured for at least two years through support from the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Safe Space is set to continue its crucial role in safeguarding Worcester's evenings.
The new partnership with the University of Worcester marks a significant milestone in this initiative. The collaboration will provide paramedic students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a dynamic, real-world setting right in the heart of Worcester City Centre. Safe Space, which handles a range of incidents each month, will now serve as a comprehensive training ground for these future paramedics, allowing them to apply their skills in a fast-paced environment.
Mark Gillett, Course Lead and Lecturer for Paramedic Science at the University of Worcester, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative: " The new placement opportunity that has been provided by Worcester BID and Safe Space, will offer student paramedics invaluable experiences. The opportunity to see and speak with a wide variety of the community will enhance their learning and ultimately patient care."
Samantha McCarthy, CEO of Worcester BID, added: “This innovative collaboration highlights Worcester’s commitment to both improving public safety and the professional development of its future which studies at Worcester University. By integrating academic training with practical experience, the partnership is set to deliver significant benefits to the students, the Safe Space initiative, and the community as a whole.”
We look forward to students beginning placements with us in the new school year, starting September alongside our dedicated medical professional Safe Space staff.
Worcester BID Enhances Daytime Economy with Extra Summer Initiatives
Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) has rolled out a series of strategic initiatives to boost the daytime economy and support local businesses during the busy summer holidays. Recognising the increased footfall and operational pressures faced by businesses during peak footfall periods, Worcester BID has extended key services and introduced new measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for both residents and visitors.
One of the standout initiatives is the enhanced hours of Safe Space operation. Safe Space is typically available between 10 PM and 4 AM on Friday and Saturday evenings, but during this summer break, our Safe Space is now operational every weekday, Monday to Friday, throughout the daytime! This change aims to provide immediate assistance and support to individuals during the peak hours of city centre activity and has already dealt with many medical and welfare support cases.
In addition to Safe Space Worcester's increased availability, Worcester BID has significantly bolstered its standard city safety measures by deploying two additional Safer Streets Officers. These officers will patrol the streets from 9 am to 9 pm, offering extended coverage to deter anti-social behaviour and ensure a secure environment for shoppers and business owners. This proactive approach aims to create a safer, more welcoming atmosphere in the city centre, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Recognising the importance of engaging younger audiences during the holidays, Worcester BID has also organised a range of youth engagement activities. These activities, available three days a week, include interactive and creative sessions such as colouring, penguin painting in celebration of the Waddle of Worcester Art Trail, and felt making. These activities are designed to keep children entertained, allowing families to enjoy all that Worcester has to offer.
Moreover, The Base will host various activities every Thursday as part of a comprehensive summer programme for 11–17-year-olds. These events contribute to a vibrant and dynamic city atmosphere, providing additional support and engagement opportunities for local businesses and visitors.
By implementing these initiatives, Worcester BID demonstrates its commitment to fostering a thriving local economy and creating a safe, enjoyable environment for everyone. The enhanced security measures and diverse range of activities not only support businesses but also enrich the community experience during the bustling summer months.
For more information on these initiatives and to stay updated on all Worcester BID activities, visit the Worcester BID website and follow us on social media @worcesterbid on Twitter and Facebook, and @makeitworc on Instagram!