Blackfriars ‘will be the first choice wedding venue’ in Gloucester, civic chiefs say

Gloucester’s Blackfriars Priory will be the city’s first choice wedding venue, according to civic chiefs as the council is about to undertake a 25-year tenancy of the building.

The 13th century monastery in Ladybellegate Street has been leased out to the authority by English Heritage for the last 10 years.

Founded in 1239 on a site that had once been part of a Norman castle, the friars were of the Dominican order and acted as teachers and evangelists and would travel around the countryside or live together in urban friaries.

The monks who lived at Blackfriars had to take on traditional monastic vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and attended church nine times a day.

The friary continued throughout the next two centuries and in the early 16th century, the house was in decline.

It was bought by Thomas Bell who was the mayor of Gloucester and a wealthy capper and clothier.

He remodeled the church, converting it into a cloth manufactory, creating 300 jobs. In 1960, the building restored by English Heritage and has since been under their care.

In the last decade it has become an award-winning wedding venue thanks to the efforts of the city council.

A new business plan for Blackfriars has been produced for the next five years which aims to raise income and tackle the building’s costs.

The report highlights the venue’s strengths such as being an “iconic building with historic importance” which offers a “blank canvas, enabling creativity and flexibility” and it has attractive, enclosed cloister garden.

Its main drawbacks are that it has no onsite accommodation, kitchen, office or welfare space for staff and storage. The spaces are also cold in the autumn and winter.

There are also concerns over inflation and the increase in energy costs as well as ongoing maintenance needs of the historic property.

But there are opportunities for growth such as investing in improved heating which would allow a year-round programme and the use of all spaces will allow for an increased income.

Culture and leisure cabinet member Andy Lewis (C, Quedgeley Severn Vale) said he is extremely optimistic about the site’s future. He says the venue’s success is all down to the “brilliant staff”.

“Holly and the team down there keep winning awards. It is a venue of choice to get married now. They have £130,000 of bookings already this year.

“As far as I can see the projections are very conservative. It’s a brilliant place and the staff there need to be commended.

“The new business plan will put it on a proper footing to expand there. The venue’s success is all down to the staff. They are just brilliant”

The report which is due to be debated by the overview and scrutiny committee on June 6 says Blackfriars is ready for the next stage of its development.

“Blackfriars will be the first choice when tying the knot. Blackfriars will be the wedding venue that couples dream of for their special day and will be known for providing a high-end, luxurious, quality offer – allowing the history of Gloucester to play a special part of their day,” the report reads.

“We will be ambitious, creative, innovative, and ethical in diversifying our income streams, balanced with our environmental responsibilities.

“Cultural activity opportunities are endless, with our commercial grip allowing for increased cultural engagement.”

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

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