GLOUCESTER RENAISSANCE
The Magnificent Seven #2 Gloucester Docks
For centuries, Gloucester Docks - the country’s innermost port - has been the heart of the city. But its days as a busy hub for the timber, grain, cotton and oil trade were long gone, when Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company set about revitalising Gloucester. With T. Nielsen and Company continuing to operate in the Docks as traditional shipbuilders and riggers and the Tall Ship Festival now a firm fixture in the diary, it is now a major visitor attraction. Crest Nicholson set the pace for regeneration, with the refurbishment of Vinings and Double Reynolds warehouses into residential and work units in 2005. This was followed with the conversion of Biddle and Shipton warehouses into new apartments. The once derelict waterfront continues to evolve, enhanced by major public realm works, but has not been without its disappointments. Perhaps one of the biggest was the decision of Ecclesiastical Insurance not to relocate its headquarters in the
city to Southgate Moorings in the Docks. Instead, Ecclesiastical is moving to a new purpose-built headquarters at Gloucester Business Park in Brockworth by 2020. The Docks has an important role in providing the linkages between Gloucester Quays and the city centre. This has been enhanced with the construction of the “grand staircase” in Commercial Road drawing people to the north end of the Docks at Ladybellegate Quay.
The site of the new Food Dock in Gloucester Docks
Gloucester Docks is a great visitor attraction
Thinking of investing in Gloucester City?
32 | July 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
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