Refurb bid for city-centre pub hopes to ‘put Gloucester back on the map’

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

There are hopes the refurbishment of a closed city-centre pub would help put Gloucester on the map as a destination for a night out.

Rich Palmer, 42, who was born and grew up in the city has returned home after a decade working in the night-time economy in Cardiff.

He is among those who have put a bid to Gloucester City Council for the lease of The Chambers pub in Kings Square.

And he says his ambition is to reinvigorate the city as a destination for a night out in the county.

The investment in regenerating Gloucester inspired him to make the move back and try and make his vision a reality.

Venues such as the Food Dock and the new crazy golf and sushi venue Putt Putt Noodle have proved popular and Mr Palmer says he wants to add to that with a great new venue in the heart of the city.

“I had the opportunity to start something down in South Wales but knowing my vision, I thought it’s so much more achievable here and so perfect for this place,” he said.

“Now is the time to come home, Gloucester has got to the point where all that investment has been done but it just needs that little bit of spark to kick start everything together.”

Mr Palmer says he is hoping to create a venue which would provide a platform for local producers and companies such as Gloucester Brewery.

He hopes the venue will boost tourism by redefining Gloucester’s identity for the future and create a dynaimc safe space for women.

“We are building links between Gloucester businesses, products, venues and brands. Looking to create a commercial platform for Gloucester culture and offering facilities and support to engage and support interest groups and events,” he said.

“Part of it is about bringing in a supply chain from Gloucester Brewery, have a food court here with Gloucestershire focussed produce.

“A local doughnut brand wants to have concession space. It’s about getting Gloucester suppliers in where possible and offering them a platform.

“It’s so that Gloucester is seen as an interesting place to host an event or product launches. If there are historical events, body art events, or anything, we can publicise it and get it seen.”

He believes the council will not make an announcement about who the successful bidder is until after next week’s council elections.

“We’ve submitted an offer for the full lease.

“No concessions, the full asking price. But I think the council are nervous and want a safe bet such as a pub.”

But Mr Palmer remains optimistic as he has also been told the council wants to move in a different direction.

“And that’s what we’re offering. There are so many people with ideas for gigs, outdoor events in Kings Square.

“With the university at the old Debenhams you’ve got 3,000 potentially coming into the city centre all the time.

“You’ve got young people who are not necessarily interested in the traditional pub culture like they used to be so we’ve got to think to the future about how we are going to offer engagement.

“These are things that happen in Bristol and Cardiff.” But he believes now is the time for such a venue in Gloucester.

Mr Palmer said he wants to involve organisations like the University of Gloucestershire and Hartpury University and Hartpury College.

“I want it so people can go out in Gloucester and to give young people another option which until recently has been pretty one dimensional – pubs or nothing.

“I don’t drink anymore, but I used to. I’ve got other interests.

“And we want to facilitate a venue for people to socialise with games and other interests. Instead of just having a bare pub or cafe we want a location where people can engage in their interests meaningfully.

“You might be into Manga, or something like that, and you want to meet people with similar interests. It’s about getting a place where like minded people can gather.

“I hope the council listens.”

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