The quarter of Gloucester that will be fit for a King
The first small steps are being taken to deliver a transformation in the heart of Gloucester’s city centre that will mirror the incredible overhaul of the Docks and Quays. In early August, parts of King’s Square were cordoned off by workmen, with the casual passer-by perhaps thinking that pipes or cables were being laid. There will be further episodes where holes will be dug and looked into during October, but no cables will be laid or pipes put down. So, what are these workmen doing? They are busy laying some of the literal groundwork for the next big regeneration project to hit the city, the grand King’s Quarter redevelopment. The crews are from global design specialists Wilson Associates and are carrying out investigations and enabling works ahead of the overhaul. If, as expected, the King’s Quarter scheme receives full planning permission from Gloucester City Council, it will see the heart of the city changed forever. From the new bus station through to King’s Square
and King’s Walk Shopping Centre, the area will be completely transformed into a city centre destination. Leisure and office space will be created, 150 new homes will be built and a new thoroughfare will link the transport hub to the city centre. With the initial working title of Cathedral View, the pedestrian walkway will be angled as such that people arriving into the city via the bus or train station will be offered immediate views of the Cathedral. The centre of the city will be changed forever, and for city council leader Paul James, it will be the
54 | September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
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