Theatre District

The City and the Worcester Business Development Corporation (WBDC) have entered into a partnership to strategically focus on master planning and infrastructure improvements to promote economic development within an approximately thirty (30)  acre area surrounding the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Currently, the WBDC and City of Worcester are working to identify buildings and sites to reposition them for adaptive, mixed-use development. Several downtown sites have been identified as primary opportunities for transformation. Included are vacant and under-utilized buildings in need of renovation and parcels for new construction. An important step forward for this initiative is the purchase of the former Telegram and Gazette building by the WBDC, which is slated to be transformed into a dynamic space with mixed uses – office, academic, conference space and retail.

In support of these private and institutional developments, the Theatre District Initiative will also address necessary strategic public improvements and utilize design guidelines that will enhance the public realm. A combination of streetscape improvements and a sufficient and well-managed parking supply are prerequisites for a successful mixed-use district.