He believes the independent retail sector holds the key to the success of the city centre’s retail economy. The GHURC had looked at encouraging successful retailers in places such as Cirencester andWorcester to also take space in the city centre as well. “It needs a proactive approach working with landlords to get some of the vacant properties occupied. You need to go and talk to people to get them to come in,” said Mr Oldershaw. He is heartened that the regeneration areas that the GHURC was unable to tackle are now being delivered.
He believes the refurbishment of the county council headquarters building works well. “It’s great to see the University of Gloucestershire investing in Blackfriars and it's great to see the cathedral taking forward those proposals. Gloucester is well on the way now to becoming a strong competitive force within the regional economy” said Mr Oldershaw “It’s not finished by any means, but it is well on the way. I hope that the city is able to pull off King's Quarter because that will provide a huge boost” l
Chris Oldershaw (right) with city businessmen Simon Payne, Mark Owen and Jaron Crooknorth in Gloucester Docks in 2010
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