Two major developments that are set to transform Gloucester city centre are making great progress in 2024, with key construction milestones being reached on both projects.
External facades on the new University of Gloucestershire campus — at the former Debenhams building on Kings Square — and Gloucester City Council's £107 million office, residential and retail development, The Forum, have been completed, with both organisations releasing new images of their exciting progress in August 2024.
A video posted by the University of Gloucestershire shows the campus's newly completed glass wall overlooking Kings Square, with the existing facade having been cleaned, repaired and fitted out with new windows as part of works led by main contractor, Morgan Sindall Construction.
The Forum, driven by Gloucester City Council in partnership with developer Reef Group, also has its impressive facades now complete, with scaffolding coming off to reveal them on both buildings — named One Cathedral View and Two Cathedral View.
The facades, pictured above, are made up of 1,324 aluminium and glass panels with a design inspired by the cloisters at Gloucester Cathedral, intended to combine contemporary features with the city's architectural heritage.
The
building also features an innovative media facade, a 17-metre high and
nine-metre-wide LED lighting system, integrated into its walls, which will blend into the design of the building during the day and animated
during the evening.
Both projects, which are part-funded by Levelling Up investment secured from the UK government, are expected to be completed this year ahead of 2025 openings.
Leader of Gloucester City Council, Jeremy Hilton commented: 'It’s very exciting to see the progress of this huge multi-million-pound project.
'The development is now nearing completion, and the site will come to life later this year as companies move in and the public can walk through a new city centre street.
'Together with the University City Campus opening for students, 2025 promises to be a great year for Kings Quarter.
'Gloucester has massive potential and we are committed to making the most of the huge investment into the city that this project will provide. We are ambitious for Gloucester, there is plenty still to do.'
