A HISTORIC 19th-century building which was once part of Worcester legend Cecil Duckworth's legacy looks set to re-open after it went up for lease - with a café the most likely option for its future. 

The Pump House in Gheluvelt Park has been listed on RightMove for firms to lease from landlords Worcester City Council. 

The former home of environmental charity Duckworth Worcestershire Trust will set someone back £1,458 per month.

Leisure property specialists Fleurets is looking for café proposals for the Pump House, although the two-storey building's Rightmove description said the space could also suit hosting events and small functions. 

Duckworth Worcestershire Trust was set up by Cecil Duckworth, the man behind Worcester Bosch, before he died in November 2020.


RECOMMENDED READING: Script Haven blue plaque for Charles Dickens' visit 

RECOMMENDED READING: Flats scheme above German Doner Kebab rejected by council


The Pump House has been closed to the public since the end of September, with the Trust not extending the lease ahead of renewal and instead vacating it at the end of last year amid 'rising costs'. 

The city council has spent the months since the announcement planning for possible future use. 

The Pump House was built in 1857 and is a disused waterworks building in Barbourne, close to the River Severn.

It was a crucial part of Worcester's waterworks until it closed in 1995, but in 2004 it opened as an environment centre. 

The Trust operated the Pump House as a centre to provide guests with information on green issues as well as running a popular café and shop. 

Fleurets described the Pump House as a 'historical' character building of local significance. 

It is also adjacent to Worcester's new Kepax Bridge.

Those who lease the Pump House will also have access to a part-paved and part-grassed area to the front overlooking the park.