The council wants to preserve Gloucester’s unique heritage and has a new shop front, shutters and signage design guide.
Following the same principles as the previous guide produced in the 1990’s, this updated version includes design guidance on replacement shop fronts, new signage and security measures to maintain or raise the quality of the townscape.
The aim of guidelines is for businesses, residents, consultants and developers to use the guide to help with the design of shop fronts and signage within the city.
Cllr Colin Organ, cabinet member for housing and planning at Gloucester City Council, said: “We know attractive shop fronts and streetscapes help to entice shoppers and visitors to Gloucester.
“This guidance ensures that new schemes preserve and enhance the city’s unique and distinctive historic character for all to enjoy.”
Gloucester City Council has funded a number of refurbishment projects within the city as part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) and City Centre Grant schemes including; 65 and 150-152 Southgate Street and 78 Westgate Street.
New automatic doors and improved lighting have also been installed to the rear of the Eastgate Market leading to Greyfriars. These new doors provide a larger opening area for the public and will be especially beneficial to wheelchair users and larger buggies.
Cllr Paul James, leader of the city council, said: “The city has a number of traditional and historic shop fronts, especially in the Gate Streets and the aim is to ensure that these are preserved and where lost; reinstated to a better quality.
“Shop fronts play an important role in improving the appearance of the street and add to the historic character of the city. We also need to makes sure our shops are accessible for disabled people and families with buggies.
“We appreciate that many retailers and businesses in Gloucester are facing increased competition and there are grants available to support them make the most of our streetscape.”
The shop front, shutters and signage design guide can be viewed on the city council website here: www.gloucester.gov.uk
ENDS.
Issued by: Oliver Somervell, media team, Gloucestershire County Council, , 01452 328245.
For Editors:
– The council also has a small pot of money for the city centre crea and also the Southgate THI area to fund the reinstatement of traditional shop fronts – http://www.gloucester.gov.uk/resident/planning-and-building-control/environmental-planning/historic-environment/Pages/default.aspx
