South Worcester Industrial Park (SWIP)

SWIP is an 11-acre brownfield site. Through tax title, the City currently owns approximately 8 acres within the redevelopment area.  Past uses at the site include foundry, cast metal manufacturing, textile machinery manufacturing, and auto salvage, which contributed to the existing environmental contamination at the site. The SWIP project consists of infrastructure improvements, demolition, and environmental remediation to create pad-ready parcels for clean, light manufacturing and industrial use. Located one-half of a mile from the Port of Worcester, SWIP has excellent access to freight rail, interstate highways (I-290, I-90, Rt. 146), and Downtown.

The goals for the SWIP project are to create new development sites, eliminate blight, promote sustainable development, create employment opportunities and business growth, and increase tax revenue.

Involved Parties/Interest Groups

South Worcester Neighborhood Improvement Corporation and the South Worcester Industrial Park Task Force Committee.

Major Timelines/Benchmarks

Disposition of the 49 Canterbury Street site: Through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process, PharmaSphere Worcester LLC has been selected to purchase this 75,000 square foot parcel. A Terms of Conveyance has been executed and a deed will transfer upon PharmaSphere's receipt of zoning approvals and a building permit. The 49 Canterbury Street site is the Commonwealth's first Priority Development Site and the first parcel to be redeveloped within SWIP.

Demolition and Road Construction: NASDI, LLC was selected as the general contractor for asbestos abatement, hazardous materials abatement and demolition of the buildings located at 17 Southgate Place and 25 Southgate Street. Demolition has been completed and work has commenced on a new roadway extension from Southgate Street to Armory Street, to be known as Janice Nadeau Way.

Environmental Remediation: The Economic Development Division will issue a Request-for-Proposals (RFP) for environmental consultant services with two brownfields assessment grants (petroleum and hazardous materials) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Upon completion of environmental investigations and remediation work, the parcels will be advertised for purchase and development through an RFP.

Contact Person

Heather K. Gould, Brownfields Coordinator, 508-799-1400, x238, GouldH@worcesterma.gov.