Pictures show Gloucester’s £107m The Forum as it nears completion

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Stunning pictures show Gloucester’s £107m The Forum development as it nears completion.

Construction work on the “exciting” Gloucester City Council project is expected to be concluded later this year.

And the Kings Quarter development, which is being driven by the council, in partnership with developer Reef Group, will offer premium offices, residential apartments, retail space and restaurants, and a boutique hotel complete with rooftop bar.

The photographs show progress on site, with most of the scaffolding now removed on both buildings, One Cathedral View and Two Cathedral View.

The vibrant facades, inspired by the cloisters at nearby Gloucester Cathedral, are now on full display.

The design of the 1,324 aluminium and glass panels is intended to be both contemporary and show respect for the city’s architectural heritage.

The building also features an innovative media façade, a 17-metre high and nine-metre wide LED lighting system, integrated into the walls of The Forum. It will blend into the design of the building during the day but will be animated during the evening.

Gloucester City Council leader Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) said: “It’s very exciting to see the progress of this huge multi-million pound project.

The development is now nearing completion, and the site will come to life later this year as companies move in and the public can walk through a new city centre street.

“Together with the University City Campus opening for students, 2025 promises to be a great year for Kings Quarter. Gloucester has massive potential and we are committed to making the most of the huge investment into the city that this project will provide. We are ambitious for Gloucester, there is plenty still to do.”

When complete, the Forum will offer:

A sustainably built, mixed used development: built to a BREEAM rating of Excellent and net-zero carbon in operation.

135,000 sq ft grade A office space: providing flexibility for companies to adapt their work environment as teams grow.

Hotel Indigo, IHG Hotels: the 131 room boutique hotel will offer a restaurant, conferencing facilities and a rooftop cocktail bar.

Car park – Q-Park: 398-space car park, with 39 electric vehicle charging points.

Green-commute friendly transport options: near to the new bus station and the train station, as well as providing bicycle parking on-site.

19 award winning apartments: designed to minimise energy use, including the use of air source heat pumps, low energy light fittings, and sustainable materials. They won Small Residential Development of the Year at the Insider South West Residential Property Awards

Stunning views of the city centre, cathedral and surrounding countryside.

Retail space: Tesco has relocated a Tesco Express within the development.

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