Gloucester 2021: A vibrant city
An ambition to become one of the leading small cities in the country where people want to live, work and play is driving Gloucester City Council. The council’s Economic Growth Strategy for the years 2018-2021 sets out how Gloucester continues on the positive momentum seen around the city during the first years of the new millennium. The glossy 16-page document was created by the council last year, outlining how the council will build upon the vision of making our county town “a city that works for everyone.” From developing a distinctive economic identity to raising the levels of prosperity for residents and businesses, it sets out a list of aims the council will deliver. City council leader Paul James said that, while the work of the past decade to transform swathes of the city has breathed new life into Gloucester, it was vital that the work continues. With a special focus on the business community – both existing and potential – he explained that it’s vital that momentum isn’t lost and Gloucester and its economy continue to grow. “Over recent years Gloucester has transformed itself,” he said.
“The city has strong traditions of innovation and manufacturing, but as the years have gone by that has evolved. “New businesses have grown in areas we would not have thought about existing 20 or 30 years ago and the city, and our businesses have adapted.
City council leader Paul James
“That process of adapting has to continue if we are to continue growing our economy in the next 20 years. That’s why we’re implementing this strategy. “The council’s aim has always been to make Gloucester a fantastic place to live, work and visit and become one of the best – if not the best – small cities in the country. A stroll through the Quays will highlight many of the recent changes, while work to overhaul the city’s bus station and revamp Shire Hall has been as welcome as it was much-needed. But there are still significant challenges that face an ever-growing city. With the population set to grow by 8.5 per cent by 2041, 150,000 people that will call the city home need
78 | May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
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