Gloucestershire uni redevelops old Debenhams
Gloucester City Council has congratulated the university
Last updated 23rd Sep 2025
The University of Gloucestershire has been congratulated for their “exciting” redevelopment of the former Debenhams into their new City Campus in Gloucester.
Gloucester City Council has congratulated the university for its “courageous” vision to buy and redevelop the Kings Square landmark.
Councillors voted unanimously last week also to thank former city MP Richard Graham for his efforts in lobbying for the necessary government funds to help make the project a reality.
Westgate Councillor Howard Hyman (LD), who proposed the motion, said the exciting new project will benefit the city and students.
“The city campus will be a great asset to the city centre with all of the regeneration in the area,” he told those present at North Warehouse on September 18.
“This motion is asking the council to write to the vice chancellor to congratulate her and her team on delivering such a successful and ambitious project.
He said the council should also acknowledge the work of former Conservative MP who lobbied for the necessary funds through the levelling up fund programme.
“Members and residents are encouraged to make full use of and actively support the new campus and new library,” he said.
Councillor Anne Radley (LD, Elmbridge) said the decision to buy the old Debenhams building could be seen as a courageous move by the University of Gloucestershire.
“It sits there and it just looks beautiful,” she said. “It’s a credit to our city.”
Cllr Radley, who used to work at the University of Worcester said it reminded her of the Hive which has an academic library and the public library.
“You saw that mixing of the people from the city and county and the university students,” she said.
“It started breaking down some of those barriers.
“There’s the potential for that mixing and for that considering options that we could potentially get from our library.”
Councillor Roseanna Marshall (L, Barton and Tredworth) said it is an excellent asset for the city centre.
She never imagined that it would turn into a university when she worked at Debenhams 20 years ago.
“It is a new era for the city centre and for a new generation,” she said.
“It is also fantastic to see we are putting investment into the city for young people. We will see the next generation of aspiring teachers, social workers and psychologists from within the campus.
“The facility will benefit those of all walks of life.”
Councillor Pam Tracey (C, Westgate) said the campus is “another gem in our city”.
She also made the chamber burst into laughter and break into smiles as she concluded her speech.
“We’ve got Gloucester Rugby Club, we’ve got the Cathedral, we’ve got the old Bon Marche/Debenhams and we’ve also got our leader of the council Jeremy Hilton!
“God bless you all!”.