New barber shop for Worcester approved

A barber shop will be the latest addition to the city’s historic railway arches after plans were given the green light.

Soul Barbers and Grooming had its plans to open in Worcester’s Arches off Farrier Street backed by Worcester City Council meaning it will join an ever-growing list of businesses moving in to be part of the multi-million-pound regeneration project.

The barbers would come equipped with six chairs and a treatment room with the proposed opening hours set at 8.30am to 7.30pm on weekdays and 8.30am to 5pm on Saturdays.

A statement included with the application said: “Soul Barbers and Grooming will be primarily focused on providing a premium service and relaxed yet exclusive client experience and will be offering a range of tailored treatments.

“The design and styling of the premises will be of key importance to strengthen the brand and to attract talent and new clients.

“We will be using premium and where possible, sustainable materials to help create a unique environment.

“We see the arches as a real community and intend to actively promote and utilize the neighbouring businesses, offering our clients coffee from Method Coffee Roasters, refreshments from the Arch Rivals and will be approaching Archworks to assist with the development.”

“The business will initially provide employment for four barbers and one qualified grooming technician.

“The mentioned persons will work as sole traders, working five-to-six-days a week. Within 12 months, we aim to increase the number of barbers to six.”

Several plans for new businesses in the arches have been given the green light in the last 18 months including an extension of arches stalwarts the Burger Shop which could soon permanently house pop-up ramen bar Maneki Ramen, a table tennis themed bar called Back and Forth and axe-throwing venue Axe Junkies which has already opened.

Method Coffee Company, which has run a coffee bar in the city’s arches since 2018, has put forward plans to open a new pizzeria and bakery.

Worcester Warriors rugby players Ethan Waller and Niall Annett opened new sandwich shop Sangers Deli in May.