Plans for an ambitious new scheme that will transform Gloucester city centre have been given the green light with the news that it will receive £11 million of Levelling Up Funding.
The bold new vision for a vibrant garden quarter in the heart of the city proposed by Gloucester City Council, can now go ahead with today’s government announcement that Gloucester will receive an £11 million boost.
The Greyfriars Quarter will see a complete revamp of the area around the Eastgate Shopping Centre complementing the massive multi-million pound regeneration currently taking place right across the city.
Richard Graham MP, Richard Cook & Council officers showed TRH Duke & Duchess of Gloucester on Gloucester Day 2022 the scope of our almost £12m Eastgate & Greyfriars Levelling Up bid for Gloucester that has today been given the green light
The proposals will see part of the shopping centre including the market hall, given an overhaul and repurposed with spaces set aside for community activities, a new market and foodhall, as well as a park and gardens, all set within the grounds of the 13th century Greyfriars monastery.
The market hall will be relocated to another part of the shopping centre, with a contemporary new design that would see it open up onto a landscaped courtyard garden.
City Council Head of Place David Oakhill highlighting changes to HRH the Duke of Gloucester
While the current market would be refurbished to house a multi-purpose performance space for dance, music, fitness, community and leisure events.
The plan also includes a proposal to create serviced apartments, providing a unique place to stay and the creation of flexible workspaces within the refurbished 18th century house adjacent to the friary.
The exciting new scheme supported by MP Richard Graham, would also see the construction of a new urban park, outdoor gym, play area and cycle hub.
Gloucester MP, Richard Graham, said: “Change and improvements to Gloucester city centre take another big step forward with our second Levelling Up Fund win to regenerate the Eastgate and Greyfriars area - improving our indoor market, making better use of the Greyfriars setting beside it and bringing back to life the Bowling Club. This complements work done by our council in Kings Square and The Forum and our University at the new City Campus, as well as GWR led work at our Railway Station.”
“It’s another great sign of confidence in our plans to improve Gloucester and will encourage more private investment alongside this substantial public investment”
Councillor Richard Cook, Leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “This is fantastic news and is Christmas come early for Gloucester. We’re delighted especially as it comes so soon on the news that the Primark building will welcome Putt Putt Noodle, the Food Dock supported by the council now opening and huge progress being made on The Forum development and the refurbishment of Kings Walk Shopping Centre.”
“We are a council committed to making Gloucester city centre fit for the future while preserving and making the most of our heritage. The nature of city centres is changing and we’ve coming up with new ways to reuse these spaces as places for leisure, living and learning as well as retail which will ensure the city remains a vibrant place to visit.”
Artist's impression of what the new Greyfriars Quarter may look like