WORRIED residents will soon meet the university bosses hoping to turn a Worcester greenfield site into a bustling campus.

The University of Worcester unveiled ambitious plans to build on Grove Farm, St John’s, earlier this month.

The site, currently farmland with lakes and wildlife havens, would be transformed into a multi-million pound business, science and sport park which would bring 1,000 jobs to the city.

The local action group, Grove Farm Residents Voice (GFRV), initially welcomed the plans, but has since voiced concerns about a potential loss of animals’ habitats and need for solid infrastructure.

The university has now invited the group, which fiercely opposed all previous plans for the vast site off Bromyard Road, particularly those from Tesco, to take part in a meeting to discuss the plans at this early stage.

GFRV spokesman Leesa Laird said: “We are still disappointed that the council has decided that the greenfield site is to be used for employment land when there are numerous empty plots and buildings in the city.

“However, the university are keen to meet and it is very important that anyone who wants to contribute or hear what the university has proposed is at the meeting. It will be the start of continuing communication and consultation between the university and the community affected by the proposals.”

The meeting will be held at the university’s St John’s campus at 6pm on Tuesday, May 16.

Dr Martin Doughty, University of Worcester pro vice chancellor (resources), said the university wanted an open dialogue with local residents.

He said: “We will be consulting with residents fully throughout both developments to allow them to raise any issues or concerns and to keep them fully up to date.”

A meeting to discuss the university’s purchase of the former Regency High School site in St John’s will be held in April. If plans are given the green light, that site would be incorporated into the existing campus and provide exta teaching space.

To contact the GFRV, e-mail leesalaird@yahoo.co.uk.

l A smaller site adjoining Grove Farm is still the subject of negotiations between land owner Tesco and Worcestershire County Council, which hopes to build a park-and-ride site next door to the new campus.