Richard Graham MP has today welcomed confirmation from Communities and Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid MP that Quayside and Blackfriars will be granted its Local Development Order, confirming overall planning permission for the whole site’s development.
The £135 million master plan includes University of Gloucestershire student accommodation, where contractors are expected on site shortly, residential accommodation and retail in a much more attractive setting.
Richard said, “this is the starting pistol for detailed talks with potential developers and enables the two councils to move forward quickly.”
Leader of the Gloucester City Council Paul James said, “I’m grateful to Richard for having got confirmation of this before Parliament dissolves. The transformation of Blackfriars has just jumped one more key hurdle.”
Communities and Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid MP said, “The development of the Blackfriars area of Gloucester’s city centre was Richard’s initiative and has been successfully taken forward by the LEP and both councils. I’m delighted to confirm I have no objection to the proposed LDO and hope it speeds up the regeneration of this key site.”
The Secretary of State has formally written to the Council to confirm he will not raise any concerns, allowing the Council to proceed.
The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP was Secretary of State for Culture when he announced funding for cathedrals across the country in Gloucester Cathedral in 2014.