‘Amazing’ green wall on The Forum’s city centre multi-storey car park nears completion

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

The Forum’s “amazing” green wall which is set to reduce both noise and air pollution and increase biodiversity in Gloucester is nearing completion.

The huge green wall, which will see plants cover an area of around 600 square metres, will sit on the side of the development’s new 398-space multi-storey car park.

It is expected to be completed in the autumn and will have a full irrigation system.

And, once completed, it will help to cool the building during hot weather, will attract pollinators and help to absorb sound.

The ambitious new green infrastructure on the £107m development by Gloucester City Council and partners Reef Group, underlines the council’s commitment to addressing climate change.

The car park will have 39 electric vehicle charge points and ambitious plans to bring even more to council car parks will be brought before the council’s cabinet meeting in March.

City Councillor Rebecca Trimnell (LD, Westgate), who represents the area, said: “This amazing green wall at The Forum is a reflection of a city that is committed to both biodiversity and helping to reduce both noise and air pollution.

“It is an incredibly ambitious and creative project, which I am delighted to have in my ward of Westgate.

“A greener Gloucester equals a growing, vibrant city, which this project is set to deliver for now and the future”.

And fellow Councillor and Sheriff of Gloucester Pam Tracey (C, Westgate) said she too welcomes the new green wall.

“Anything that enhances the view for people coming from the railway station and into town is great,” she said.

“I do like it. I like the appearance. As long as the maintenance is done well it should be great. We don’t want it looking dead in the winter.”

The green wall is just one part of the council’s actions in tackling climate change.

The authority unveiled earlier this year a Gloucester climate change strategy and climate risk assessment, which set out the council’s plans to reach net zero emissions by 2030.

This includes increasing the use of green energy sources, driving down energy consumption at council buildings, and using biofuels in its vehicle fleet.

The authority also has a goal of carbon neutrality across the city by 2045 through improved household energy efficiency, improving recycling rates and helping people switch to electric vehicles by installing more charging points.

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