Work is almost complete on the refurbishment of the Kings Walk Shopping Centre, a key part of the £200 million transformation of Gloucester city centre.
Just in time for Christmas, the revamp has seen the shopping centre given a facelift to complement the new look Kings Square and the ambitious Forum development, fast taking shape nearby.
Striking new signs have been installed to welcome people to the shopping centre at all three entrances on Eastgate, Clarence Street and Kings Square.
New lighting brightens up the centre throughout and the Atrium has been overhauled with the dated sails removed to let more natural light in, and architectural details highlighted with a bronze colour scheme and new soft lights.
The work is part of the multi-million pound regeneration work of the city centre driven by Gloucester City Council that includes The Forum, Westgate Street, the new garden quarter at Greyfriars and support for the recently opened Food Dock. The council has partnered with Reef Group to deliver The Forum and the refurbishment of Kings Walk Shopping Centre.
It was recently announced that the Eastgate Shopping Centre would be undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment after the council successfully bid for £11 million of Levelling Up Funding from the government.
The plans will see the regeneration of the shopping centre with spaces for community activities, a new market and food hall, as well as a park and gardens, all set within the grounds of the 13th century Greyfriars monastery.
Across the city, The Forum development is moving at pace and will boast apartments with cathedral views, Grade A workspace, as well as state-of-the-art digital conference facilities and a boutique hotel with rooftop bar. The hotel will be operated by international chain IHG Hotels & Resorts that has hotels in major cities such as Berlin, New York and Hong Kong.
Councillor Richard Cook, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “We’re delighted that the refurbishment of Kings Walk Shopping centre is nearing completion just ahead of Christmas and we’re looking to announce some new businesses opening soon. Gloucester is changing and our multi-million pound regeneration of the city centre is not only helping to give a boost to retailers and local businesses but also bringing in new investors and tenants eager to be a part of the reinvention of this city.”
Peter Langly-Smith, Development Director at Reef Group, said: “The new look for the Kings Walk Shopping Centre brings it up to date with the work that is being done across the city to modernise Gloucester while respecting its considerable heritage. The work was integral to the development of the area and part of our strategy to attract new tenants, which is already succeeding and we’re hopeful of announcing some new additions to the Kings Walk centre soon.”
