Plans to redevelop the area around Eastgate Shopping Centre in Gloucester into an all-new retail and community space have been placed into doubt this August 2024.
Gloucester City Council announced ambitious plans to transform the city's Greyfriars Quarter by creating a new market hall, community space and gardens in 2022, submitting a bid for £12.5 million from the government's Levelling Up Fund.
Though its initial bid to fully refurbish the area was unsuccessful, the city council was provisionally awarded £11.1 million for the project in November 2023.
But council leader Jeremy Hilton has revealed that although the allocation was confirmed by the government on Friday 24 May 2024 — two days after the announcement of a general election — it is now understood that the decision is under review.
It follows a statement made by new Labour chancellor Rachel Reeves in July 2024, which cast doubt over the feasibility of projects which had been approved by the Conservative government due to a lack of available funding identified in a public spending audit.
Jeremy said: 'This is both frustrating and disappointing as this regeneration project is critical to the continued improvements to Gloucester’s city centre, which includes a brand-new relocated indoor market to support independent market traders with modern trading conditions and increased footfall.'
He added that the council had spoken to Gloucester's new Labour MP Alex McIntyre, in the hope that he can help secure 'this much needed investment for our city.'
'As a council we are continuing to engage with Whitehall civil servants. We need to get on with the project.'
The Greyfriars Quarter plans include a new garden area with spaces for community activities, as well as a new market and food hall to accommodate local independent food and drink producers.
The current market space would become a multi-use performance area for arts and leisure events, linking to a covered outdoor space with an orangery and outdoor dining area within the remains of the 13th century Greyfriars Monastery.
There are also plans for serviced apartments and flexible workspaces at the site, along with a new urban park with outdoor gym equipment, a cycle hub and a children's play area.
Gloucester City Council said it was hoping to find out further details about the funding allocation 'soon'.
