WITH the right approach, there is no doubt that Panama Jacks could be a big success.

Potential customers include students on their way into the city centre from campus, people going to and from the bus station and Crowngate Shopping Centre, and so on.

But there is also a big opportunity coming in the form of the plans to transform the nearby railway arches into an ‘arty hub’ of independent businesses which will include removing the locked gates next to The Hive which currently prevent people from walking directly through to that end of town.

This should increase footfall in that area and, with the right plan, Panama Jacks could thrive.

Worcester needs businesses in Angel Place to succeed, to avoid ending up with a forgotten part of the city. In the past few years, Angel Chef and then U Canteen have both closed down in the building currently occupied by Panama Jacks – another failed venture would really hurt that area.

Once the railway arches transformation has happened, Angel Place should be a key gateway into the city centre and a draw in its own right.