An ambitious project to create a 'vibrant garden quarter' in the centre of Gloucester has been boosted by the re-confirmation of multi-million-pound funding from the UK government, this November 2024.
Plans to regenerate the area around Eastgate Shopping Centre with all-new retail and community space were revealed by Gloucester City Council in 2022, with a bid for £12.5 million of investment from the previous government's Levelling Up Fund.
While that initial bid was unsuccessful, the council was provisionally allocated £11.1 million for the project in November 2023.
But doubt was then cast of the future of the scheme in August 2024, with the council being told the funding allocation was one of many previously approved by the Conservatives that was being reviewed by the new Labour government.
One of two Gloucestershire projects that faced a wait to find out whether their allocated funding would be granted — along with Cheltenham Borough Council's National Cyber Innovation Centre at the heart of its Golden Valley development — the government announced on Friday 1 November 2024, following the Autumn Budget 2024 announcement the previous day, that funding for the project had been re-confirmed.
Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester City Council commented: 'We’re delighted that this exciting scheme can now start gaining some momentum. This investment will allow us to begin regenerating that part of the city centre to bring it in line with the other areas that have already received massive investment.
'City centres are evolving into spaces where people not only work and shop but choose to live and enjoy their leisure time. It's essential for Gloucester to keep pace with these changes.
'This is another piece in the jigsaw along with The Forum, Kings Square and the Food Dock all supported by the council, ensuring that Gloucester remains a lively and inviting place to visit.'
The Greyfriars proposals will see part of Eastgate Shopping Centre repurposed, with areas set aside for community activities including a multi-purpose performance space; and a new market and food hall featuring a contemporary design, opening up onto a landscaped courtyard garden.
The plans will also see a new urban park and gardens created including an outdoor gym, play area and cycle hub, set within the grounds of the 13th century Greyfriars monastery; along with serviced apartments and flexible workspaces inside the refurbished 18th-century house adjacent to the friary.
