Project Pilgrim has brought fresh life to the grounds of the cathedral
going to happen in the next few years' was important. It ensured that the public realised regeneration had some big backers, both in the public and private sectors. Also, the support from the city and county councils and the authorities respective leaders, Cllr Paul James and Cllr Mark Hawthorne, together was critical. The county council put £43 million into the building of the SouthWest Bypass which was essential infrastructure for the development of Gloucester Quays. In the early years of regeneration, the UK faced the dark clouds of recession. It was one of the obstacles that could not have been foreseen. Another disappointment was the unsuccessful plan to move Gloucester Rugby to a 20,000-seater community stadium at the Railway Triangle site. In the event, the rugby club decided to stay put at the Kingsholm stadium. Another setback came when Ecclesiastical Insurance decided not to build a new HQ at the Southgate Moorings site at Gloucester Docks.
“They invested a huge amount on design and then, because of the recession, decided to hold back. That was a huge loss. Regeneration never goes in a straight line, you always get your setbacks but you have to press on,” said Mr Oldershaw. “You need to have a degree of flexibility.” One of the GHURC’s reserve projects was the improvement to the surroundings of Gloucester Cathedral. It was unable to offer finance for the scheme, but now Project Pilgrim with £4.16 million Heritage Lottery Fund support has seen the transformation of the cathedral grounds from a once grim parking space to a green oasis where visitors can sit and reflect. “It is now a very attractive area and has given a tremendous boost to the city,” said Mr Oldershaw. He is full of praise for how Gloucester Quays has developed and how it has given the city renewed confidence. “I was down there a couple of weeks ago on a Wednesday night and it was packed out.You would not have believed that ten years ago.”
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