Gloucester City Centre eyesore could get new life
The former Chambers Pub, dubbed an eyesore, could become a restaurant
A longstanding Gloucester city centre eyesore in Kings Square could be given a new life as a restaurant, according to hints from council chiefs.
The former Chambers pub, which is on the corner with Market Parade, ceased trading during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic and has never reopened.
Gloucester City Council has since advertised the prime site on a leasehold basis and at least one bid was submitted for the 3,500 sq ft which included a vision for a pub with cafe, food and games space.
However, nothing came of that proposal. Opposition leader Stephanie Chambers (C, Quedgeley Fieldcourt) asked for an update on the building.
The Conservative asked what plans the council has for the site. And she asked for reassurance that it would be given a family-friendly use and not be a nightclub.
““The Chambers pub, owned by the city council is still a boarded up, derelict building at the moment.
“What plans do you have, or are we gonna have all these visitors and that eyesore in the middle of Kings Square?”
Council leader Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) said officers are in talks with potential tenants for the site. He said it was important to get the letting time right for The Chambers.
“The right time is when you’ve got the Forum completed, the public realm has been done, maybe some additional office accommodation will be there because you get the right sort of, eat and drink facility there.
“You are more likely to get them if they know that there’s gonna be lots of people who want to sit down and have a meal, a drink after work, things like that. We are in discussions, let’s put it that way.”
Cllr Chambers asked in a follow-up question what type of tenant they were looking for there.
She said it was important it is somewhere that incorporates family, dining, students, everybody having more of a relaxed atmosphere akin to that which is common in continental Europe.
“I wouldn’t like to see some sort of nightclubby type place there,” she said.
“So can you reassure us that your administration is gonna look for the right kind of tenant that is gonna incorporate families in that square.”
Cllr Hilton said he could not say much but he hinted heavily that it would be a place which would serve evening meals.
“We’re in discussions. Close to finishing those discussions with a really good quality food and beverage outlet.
“I can’t say any more than that until the legals have been done. But I think Steph, you will be quite happy to take Alastair there for an evening meal and bring the kids along as well.”