Two of the county's biggest developments which are set to transform Gloucester city centre have received a significant boost of £6.3 million in reallocated Levelling Up funding.
Gloucester City Council has confirmed that funding secured for the redevelopment of The Fleece Hotel in 2021 has been reallocated to other projects after interest from developers in the 15th century inn 'fell away' in the early part of 2023.
The two projects set to benefit are the University of Gloucestershire's City Campus and The Forge, a digital business hub which is part of the wider £107 million Forum development.
The reallocation was confirmed at the last full council meeting on Monday 29 January 2024, while a new plan is in the works for the redevelopment of The Fleece with further details set to be released by the council in March.
Council leader Richard Cook said: 'The initial Levelling Up grant fund allowance for the Fleece Hotel was circa £6.3 million. This was due to be spent by Sunday 31 March 2024 and was based on the development of the site by Dowdeswell Group. As you know, that interest fell away in early 2023.
'It then became evident that we would be unable to secure a new partner and deliver on the commitments made to the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) in our Levelling Up bid in the time available.
'With the agreement of DLUHC, we have reallocated this funding to the University of Gloucestershire city centre campus and The Forge — part of The Forum.
'We are now working with a new potential partner for the development of The Fleece Hotel and I hope to bring a recommendation on that to cabinet in March. The council will make a contribution to the development of the Fleece and will seek grant funding to further support its development.'
