those businesses. “Therefore, it’s vital we address the skills gap to ensure that people have the skills they need to access the jobs of the future. “We want to ensure that schools and colleges are providing courses and teaching skills that are future proofed. “We also want to work within our communities to ensure that training and learning providers are able to help everyone, including those who have circumstances that have been a barrier to work. “By working on a plan for both businesses and people, we will create a city that is able to attract investment from business, and more importantly sustain that investment.” There has probably never been a better time to invest in
the city, given the visual transformation since the turn of the Millennium. Gloucester Quays has transformed a derelict former industrial area and brought millions of visitors to the city. The council’s priority now is to see the core city centre revitalised in a similar way, linking the two areas to become a cohesive destination. With the King’s Quarter regeneration set to follow in the near future, it is vital that the positive aesthetic changes lead to an economic boost. “It’s a time of great opportunity for the city with all the work that is being done to transform it,” Cllr James added. “In order to capitalise on those changes, it’s vital that we have this plan in place. The success of the Quays has been the mix of businesses, leisure and retail that are there.
80 | May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
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