Proposals for multi-million pound digital quarter in Gloucester reach planning milestones
The Forum is set to be built in the Kings Quarter area of the city
Proposals to create a new £85 million digital hub in Gloucester have reached two important planning milestones.
The Forum is set to be built in the Kings Quarter area of the city and will create a vibrant new social and digital campus for the South West - as well as act as a catalyst for an emerging digital and cyber security sector.
Phase one of the plans of the hub, which is being developed by Gloucester City Council in partnership with the Reef Group have now been granted planning permission.
It will see the creation of 43 apartments with views to the cathedral, along with retail space, set to be occupied by Tesco. Work on the first phase is expected to start in the spring.
Detailed planning for the second phase of the development have also been submitted to the City Council.
This includes more than 125,000 sq ft of new versatile office space, with a shared workspace club and an innovation hub designed for emerging cyber businesses and incubator businesses.
The office space will sit alongside a 131-bedroom four-star hotel, a 9,000 sq ft gym, restaurants and bars.
Councillor Richard Cook, Leader of Gloucester City Council, said:
“This is a very important milestone for this ambitious scheme, which will revitalise a key, but formerly tired, area of the city centre.
Together with the rejuvenated Kings Square, and its attractive places to eat, drink and shop for residents and visitors, The Forum will bring in major occupiers and significant investors to the city and cement Gloucester’s reputation as a thriving and vibrant destination to work, live and visit.”
Councillor Jeremy Hilton, Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Gloucestershire, said:
"I am delighted that phase one of the Kings Quarter redevelopment received planning permission last night. This whole project has the support of councillors from all three parties. Every member has been involved in its development.