City centre set for ‘new dawn’ amid talks to reopen empty units for cultural events

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Gloucester city centre could be “set for a new dawn” as talks are underway to split large empty units and reopen them to encourage small businesses to set up shop.

This formula has proved popular elsewhere in the city and provided a winning solution in the Gloucester Food Dock and a similar use is currently being provided to pop-up traders in Cheltenham’s Cavendish House.

Concerns were raised about the state of the city centre recently by councillors who represent the area.

But Gloucester Chamber of Commerce president Luke Lutman says a lot of work is underway behind the scenes to rejuvenate the city centre.

Empty units owned by Gloucester City Council could be used to run events, galleries, workshops and performances to develop the cultural offering of the city as well as for commercial developments.

“Gloucester, as with many towns and cities, has been wrestling with the evolving role of the High Street,” he said.

“Consumer demand has changed with online retail, cost of living rises, the pandemic and social changes.

“The city centre may not be the bustling place it once was but that is all about to change thanks to the confidence and investment pouring into the city.

“The city centre has reached a transition point in its long-anticipated regeneration, with the development of the Forum and the new City Campus.

“Both promoting education and innovation as well as a luxury hotel, new Kings Square and thriving creative hub.

“This development in the Kings Quarter is mirrored by the independent food and drink scene beginning to blossom at the other end of the city, with the newly established Food Dock and the reopened Dr Fosters at the gateway to the Docks and Quays.

“The City Council has over the last few years acquired much of the city centre, becoming its custodian and choreographing its development.

“The City Council is investing large amounts of time and resources into this new role and is holding regular meetings with stakeholders to make sure the development of the city supports the residents, communities, students and businesses that call the city home.”

He said research is presented at these meetings by university academics and ideas and solutions are put forward.

“These ideas have included splitting large retail units up into smaller units that are more affordable to encourage small businesses to take on a space in the city.

“This has proved popular and a winning solution in the Gloucester Food Dock and Box Park shipping container-based developments in other cities.

“As well as commercial developments, cultural activation of spaces is being explored in the city to run events, galleries, workshops and performances to develop the cultural offering of the city and its night-time economy.

“Although it feels like an empty building site now, there is a lot happening behind the scenes to rejuvenate the city with many more exciting announcements to come. Gloucester city centre is far from dead and is set for a new dawn.”

Gloucester City Council has been approached for comment.

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