“Part of the problem has been bringing more people to the city. That is now happening,” said Mr Jones. Chris Price, of Tayntons solicitors, agreed footfall was also key, but that came from having the right offer. “The city does not have a real night-time economy. After 6pm the centre it is dead. You have to try and improve the proposition. Even doing something about the empty windows will help. Neglect begets neglect,” said Mr Price, who recently became chairman of the Gloucester BID. The room acknowledges the work of the Gloucester- based UK:DRIC (set up to help explore the future of the high street), but said Gloucester city centre was yet to
provocative and frank). “Cheltenham and Gloucester work off each other. People live in one and work in the other and vice versa. I don’t think each exploits the other enough,” he added. Simon McKeag, of chartered surveyors Ash & Co, drew the debate to a major challenge facing Gloucester, and many others towns and cities nationwide. “Retail change is a big problem for Gloucester and Cheltenham, the Quays did take from the city centre, but the city centre is fighting back,” said Mr McKeag. A review of business rates and rateable values would be welcomed. He agreed, the city should continue to play to its strengths. “It is about making more of the history,” said Mr McKeag. David Jones, of Evans Jones, said although the issues were complex the city had momentum in its favour – at least for the moment.
decide what its retail offer should be. All eyes then turned to King’s Square.
Now owned by the city council and with a plan on the table to develop as retail and residential offering, the room acknowledged the enormity of the issue. With strong views it needed a re-think. Mark Price, whose firm is a construction consultancy
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