Future Cities Forum 'New districts' event in April

CGI of Kings Square regeneration in Gloucester (from George King Architects)

Future Cities Forum is running another in its series of 'New Districts' discussions, which look at the investment and development of new areas of economic and visitor interest in cities. Leader of Gloucester City Council, Cllr Richard Cook will be joining us to discuss new developments in the city which provide for leisure as well as technology work opportunities for those living in the region.

Construction company Kier is ready to start enabling works on the second phase of The Forum in Gloucester City Centre, that will include the development of Grade A workspace, a 4-star hotel, rooftop restaurant and state-of-the-art digital conference facilities, as well as a wellness centre and members club.

Phase one is already under construction and will see 43 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, cafes, bars and restaurants and 5,000 sq ft of retail space which will be occupied by Tesco. This phase is due to complete by autumn in 2022.

The Forum, which is being brought forward by Gloucester City Council and its partners Reef Group is due to be completed in summer 2024.

It is set to attract a mix of tech businesses from start-ups to big occupiers, tapping into the booming digital and cyber-technology industry, as well as providing workspace suitable for 'hybrid' working. The development is part of the massive multi-million pound regeneration scheme underway in the city centre that includes the revamp of Kings Square into a world class events space.

Jon Topping, Head of Policy and Resources at Gloucester City Council, said:

'This is a significant milestone for this development which will help to make the city a 'future ready' place to live, work and visit. Not only will it allow us to nurture home grown talent and develop skills locally but attract talented people from across the region to come and help invest in our city.'

'Esther Croft, Development Director at Reef Group, commented:

'It's exciting to be able to start this next phase of the works which will totally transform this part of the city. This development will really set Gloucester ahead of the game in establishing the city as a centre for technological and digital innovation.'