Worcester seeks proposals to revamp plaza near Polar Park into pop-up retail, eateries

The City of Worcester is seeking proposals to bring life to a plaza that serves as the northern entrance to the Polar Park baseball stadium.

The City has issued a request for interest seeking to find an operator for the Rockland Trust Plaza, a 18,500-square-foot space located at 45 Green St. on the edge of the Canal District. A former City-owned parking lot, the parcel was converted into a plaza and green space in 2022.

Goals for the plaza outlined by the City include having the space serve as a dynamic and creative public space and pedestrian gateway to the ballpark, featuring amenities such as food, beverages, and pop-up retail space to be available for startup businesses.

A City document outlining requirements for potential operators notes the plaza must be activated or programmed for a minimum of 50 events per calendar year. The document requests proposals consider existing businesses in the Canal District and attempt to find uses complementing those businesses. Preference will be given to proposals outlining specific strategies to attract locally owned businesses and entrepreneurs from underrepresented populations to pop-up retail spaces.

The City will handle utility costs, landscaping maintenance, snow removal, and operation of the plaza’s fountain and irrigation systems. Operators will be responsible for security, trash removal, the installation of portable restrooms, and other necessary equipment and infrastructure. 

Letters of interest are to be submitted to the City’s Executive Office of Economic Development and are due no later than 10 a.m. on June 7.