WATCH: Video shows ‘vibrant and beautiful’ facades installed on Gloucester’s The Forum development

A newly-released video shows how Gloucester’s £107m flagship development at The Forum is taking shape.

The construction team working on the project are fiting the “vibrant and contemporary” facades to the new building over the coming weeks.

Teams are working to fit more than 1,000 intricately designed aluminium and glass panels to the exterior of The Forum as phase two of the project progresses.

Inspired by the cloisters at nearby Gloucester Cathedral, the design combines modern aesthetics with respect for the city’s architectural heritage, to offer a hub for innovative, sustainable businesses and usher in a new era of growth for Gloucester.

When complete, 1,342 panels weighing around 500kg each will form a striking feature reminiscent of the stone cloisters and facades of the city’s historic buildings, including Gloucester Cathedral.

City Council leader Richard Cook (C, Kingsway) said The Forum’s new facades beautifully blend modernity with Gloucester’s history.

“This project reflects our commitment to preserving our heritage while embracing the future. It’s a key part of the multi-million-pound regeneration that is transforming our city making it a city fit for the future. It’s great to see it taking shape.”

Phase two of the development provides a space for innovation, collaboration and growth for employers, while bringing major social and economic benefits to Gloucester.

Comprising a 130-room boutique hotel, a rooftop restaurant and bar, state-of-the-art digital conference facilities, a 9,000 sq ft wellness centre and innovation space, it is part of the wider £200m-plus regeneration of Kings Quarter in Gloucester city centre.

The council says the project will be net zero in operation and is designed to attract environmentally conscious employers to the heart of the city. Its sustainable features include:

A living ‘green wall’ providing more than 8,500 sq ft of evergreen foliage at the heart of the development.
Natural roofs and rainwater gardens to provide natural drainage systems and habitats.
Natural ventilation, solar panels on the roof and sensor-controlled lighting, to minimise the buildings’ environmental impact while providing a modern, responsive place to work.
With large windows maximising natural light and offering breath-taking views of the cathedral and the surrounding city, The Forum’s workspaces also prioritise employee well-being and productivity.

And they say The Forum also stands out as a digitally advanced work environment. It is already seen as a best-in-class digitally connected building complex, with measures including a commitment to achieving a WiredScored Platinum level certification.

Esther Croft, Reef development director, added: “The Forum’s facades symbolise our dedication to creating a development that respects Gloucester’s past while establishing the city as a place that supports the next Industrial Revolution.

“This transformation will redefine the city’s skyline and contribute to a vibrant future. Gloucestershire hasn’t seen anything like this before. It’s great to see and hear the fantastic response The Forum is receiving.”

Kier started on the delivery of phase two construction in March this year, with completion expected in 2024.

Andy Bolas, regional director at Kier Construction, said: “With the installation of the striking façade panels now underway, The Forum is really taking shape and is beginning to reveal what an iconic landmark it will become on the Gloucester city skyline. We’re proud to be delivering it.”

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk