Gloucestershire scheme is key to economic future of city
A development in Gloucester is critical for the regeneration of the city according to a council leader.
The recently appointed leader of Gloucester City Council, Jeremy Hilton, has confirmed The Forum’s pivotal position within the authority’s ambitions for a strong and sustainable economic future.
Brought forward by Reef Group in partnership with the council, The Forum is Gloucester’s innovative, multi-use space set to transform the city centre into an economic and leisure hub.
With excellent progress already being made, the development will encompass premium office space, a gym, retail space, restaurants, a Hotel Indigo (IHG Hotels) and a rooftop bar when it opens later this year.
The Forum forms an integral part of Gloucester’s £200m regeneration project, which includes University of Gloucestershire’s City Campus development on Kings Square and Kings Square itself.
Jeremy Hilton said: “The Forum is a critical part in the regeneration of Gloucester city centre. As the city grows towards a stronger economic future, The Forum will have a major role to play in attracting innovative and creative businesses.
“Gloucestershire has ambitions to become a leader in digital communications that will contribute to delivering positive economic growth. Gloucester is a well-connected city that can attract a pool of skilled employees ready to contribute to strengthening the city’s economy.
“The Forum puts innovation and sustainability at the core of its design. Ideally positioned to promote a greener commute, the development sits alongside the bus station and opposite Gloucester railway station. With the largest living wall in the city currently under construction, we can see how sustainability is deeply rooted in the design of the building itself.
“Since stepping into my position as the leader of Gloucester City Council, I have visited The Forum to view the progress being made on its construction. I was impressed. It’s progressing to the point where, the facades are on, the living wall is going up and we look forward to welcoming tenants in the months to come.”
Earlier this year, Whitefriars, the residential offering of The Forum comprising 19 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments won the ‘Small Residential Development of the Year’ category at the Insider Media South West Residential Property Awards. The judges were impressed by Whitefriars’ role in the redevelopment of the city centre, commenting that it stood out because of its status as a rare brownfield regeneration.
