Plans to 'unlock the potential' of the site of a demolished office building in Gloucester city centre are moving forwards this October 2024, with nearly £700,000 secured for its development.
Gloucester City Council successfully bid for investment from the UK government's Brownfield Land Release Fund to develop the site of the former Wessex House, on Great Western Road behind Gloucester Railway Station.
The council says there is potential to build around 45 new homes at the site, with £688,484 now secured to prepare the land.
The demolished building at the site had been the offices of wholesaler Edmundson Electrical, but stood empty for several years before being knocked down.
The site is on a list of council-owned, empty or derelict buildings earmarked for development into 'much needed' housing in the city centre.
It is also hoped that residential development will boost the local economy by bringing more people into the heart of the city.
Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: 'This is good news and means we can get the ball rolling on developing this prime site on Great Western Road, which is close to The Forum and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
'It’s a real boost to our plan to tackle these under-utilised sites that are within or close to the city centre, which will not only help provide much needed housing, but will help improve the built environment in central Gloucester and this corner of Kingsholm. It should be good for business too.'
The council previously secured investment from the fund for land next to Whitefriars Apartments, part of the £107 million Forum development.
There are plans to build around 200 new homes, spread across the sites on the list, to complement the ongoing regeneration of the city.
Councillor Luke Shervey, cabinet member for housing at the council, added: 'Housing is one of our key priorities and I’m acutely aware of the need for more good quality housing in the city.
'We are fully committed to tackling the shortage and providing good homes which we know are linked to so many other important factors including health and quality of life.'
