CONSTRUCTION
Dowdeswell Estates and Gloucester City Council agree ‘game changing’ deal to redevelop The Fleece Hotel
The company responsible for the transformation and restoration of a number of Cheltenham landmarks is making its first move into the city of Gloucester. Gloucester City Council is teaming up with Dowdeswell Estates to bring the 15th century Fleece Hotel back to life. Dowdeswell Estates is the company responsible for reinvigorating 131 Promenade and The George Hotel in Cheltenham, as well as The Crown Inn in Minchinhampton. Confirming the partnership deal, Dowdeswell Estates founder and managing director Rod Jenner said that he had been aware of the potential of the site for some time. Mr Jenner said: “After looking at the site two years ago, I could see not only the enormous potential of the site itself, but also its pivotal role in the wider regeneration of the city. “Through my previous involvement with Gloucester City Football Club, I have been aware of the potential Gloucester has and the ambition that the council and city leaders have for it. “After more than a year of going through the tender process, my team and I couldn’t be more thrilled that the council have bought into our concept and have put the trust in us to partner with them to design, develop and deliver what we think is a unique and landmark project.” Occupying a prime position on Westgate Street, The Fleece opened in 1497 as one of three major inns in the city to house pilgrims visiting the tomb of King Edward II. The vaulted 12th century undercroft of a previous merchant’s house on the site known as the Monks Retreat was incorporated into the building when it became a hotel.
After years of lying vacant, it was purchased by Gloucester City Council in 2011, with the aim of bringing it back to life. Work had started on waterproofing and repairs before a fire in 2017 caused extensive damage and saw the pause button pressed. But with work now set to start again, Gloucester City Council leader Paul James said teaming up with Dowdeswell Estates for the work would be a “game changer” for the city. Councillor James said: "I am delighted that The Fleece has attracted the attention of a developer with the pedigree of Dowdeswell Estates. “I have been hugely impressed with their projects elsewhere in the county and I am excited that they want to bring their skills and expertise to Gloucester. “For a period of over three years, the limitless vision and stubborn determination of Councillor Dawn Melvin was the driving force behind the project. “The Fleece is an enormously complex site which has been difficult to find a solution for, but I am confident we are now going to achieve this. “This is a game changer for the whole city" l
September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 93
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