Gloucester7 #1

7gloucesterregeneration and investment magazine

n Retail renaissancen Gloucester’s Magnificent Sevenn How heritage-led regeneration works

HISTORY IN THE MAKINGGloucester is focusing on its heritage while looking to the future. The city is at the start of a unique renaissance

MARKETINGEXPERTISE THAT THE WORLD IS WATCHING

www.marketinggloucester.co.uk

The intelligence behind a programme of pioneering

marketing initiatives aimed at raising the profile

of Gloucester:

• Promoting its inimitable heritage

• Showcasing the city as a unique tourist destination

• Evoking pride and passion within the community

It’s our job to make sure people know

that Gloucester is a great place to live,

work and visit.

For more information contact us: 3rd Floor, Alexandra Warehouse, The Docks, Gloucester, GL1 2LGT: 01452 207020 F: 01452 348523 • E: [email protected] • www.marketinggloucester.co.uk

Photographed in Blackfriars Priory, as part of the gloucester: through the ages campaign

MG_full page_G7_PRINT.indd 1 13/5/09 14:00:41

gloucester7summer20090�

gloucester7regeneration and investm

ent magazine



7Cover image: Gloucester Quays at night with the new High Orchard bridge in the background.

Executive editor: Kirsty MacAulay Features editor: Alex Aspinall Art director: Terry Hawes Production: Rachael Schofield Advertisement sales: Lee Harrison Office manager: Sue Mapara Managing director: Toby Fox Images: Gloucestershire College, www.cotswolds.com, Brindleyplace, Bristol City Council Visual Technology, Ipswich Council, Wikipedia, Kirsty MacAulay, Gloucester Cathedral, VisitCheltenham/David Sellman, Anthony Tian, www.imagebank.sweden.se, Andrew Wing Printed by: Wyndeham Grange Published by: 3Fox International Ltd, Lower Ground Floor, 189 Lavender Hill, London SW11 5TB Tel: 020 7978 6840 Fax: 020 7978 6837 On behalf of: Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company Tel: 01452 782 990 www.gloucesterurc.co.uk Subscriptions and feedback: go to www.gloucester7.com © 3Fox International Limited 2009. All material is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of 3Fox International Limited is strictly forbidden. The greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine at time of going to press, but we accept no responsibility for omissions or errors. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of 3Fox International Limited or Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company.

In pIcturesAbrieflookatGloucester’shistoricassets.

IntroductIonAnin-depthlookatGloucester’spast,presentandfuture.

projectsThemajorschemesthatareshapingthecity’sregeneration.

WatersIdeThebenefitsofwatersidedevelopment.

retaIl Gloucesterissoontobetopoftheshops.

HerItageGloucester’suniquehistoricbuildingsareshapingitsfuture.

busInessLocalbusinessesaresettobenefitfromthecity’sdevelopmentplans. back pageInvestorinformationonGloucester.

61�18�0�4�84�46

Contents

1� �4

18 �8

Integrating the Docks, the historic core and Kings Square.

masterplanningNEW

Illustrating the potential of Kings Square as a retail and leisure destination and as an event space.

Our masterplan for British Waterways strengthens the Docks as a visitor destination, a mixed-use community and a gateway to Gloucester.

The URC Framework creates distinctive masterplans for The Magni� cent 7 with a high quality public realm and movement strategy for the city centre.

NEW Masterplanning’s winning design for St. Modwen at Firepool.NEW Masterplanning’s winning design

Gloucester URC was NEW Masterplanning’s � rst client, and we feel a strong personal as well as professional connection with the future of the city. We are therefore delighted to be able to support the URC and its partners in promoting the quality of work being delivered in the city and the exciting opportunities which still exist.

Before setting up NEW Masterplanning in 2006 Geraint, Andy and Hans led the consortium that prepared the URC Area Regeneration Framework. This Framework has guided the regeneration of key sites across the city. Our strategy for Blackfriars and Southgate Moorings opened up the potential for o� ce, hotel, cultural, leisure and specialist retail development. Our early vision for Kings Square and our work with the City Council and Morley Fund Management shaped the scale of the mixed-use proposals and the brief for the design competition.

Since completing the URC Framework NEW Masterplanning has maintained a strong connection with Gloucester. Our detailed masterplan for British Waterways built on the principles established by the URC Framework. The uses tested in an exciting mixed-use scheme included apartments, town houses and student accommodation, education and employment, retail and leisure together with enhanced public realm, parking and visitor facilities.

For more information on Gloucester or any of our projects please visit our website or phone us on 01202 742228.

Gloucester is just one example of how our strategies and masterplans are already delivering growth and regeneration. Geraint and Andy led the Taunton Vision which identi� ed the potential for signi� cant growth of the town centre. Our award-winning proposals included regeneration of the vacant cattle market (Firepool) as a mixed-use, o� ce-led waterfront development, improvement of the County Cricket Ground and retail expansion on the High Street. All these proposals are being implemented by the private sector and NEW Masterplanning is assisting St Modwen as preferred developer for the Firepool site.

Hans van Bommel, Andy Ward and Geraint Hughes. The directors of NEW Masterplanning.

NEW Masterplanning and Gloucester Heritage URC

NEW Masterplanning in the South West

107 Bournemouth Road, Poole BH14 9HR www.newmasterplanning.com

DPS Ad FINALgh.indd 1 20/05/2009 16:32:49

Integrating the Docks, the historic core and Kings Square.

masterplanningNEW

Illustrating the potential of Kings Square as a retail and leisure destination and as an event space.

Our masterplan for British Waterways strengthens the Docks as a visitor destination, a mixed-use community and a gateway to Gloucester.

The URC Framework creates distinctive masterplans for The Magni� cent 7 with a high quality public realm and movement strategy for the city centre.

NEW Masterplanning’s winning design for St. Modwen at Firepool.NEW Masterplanning’s winning design

Gloucester URC was NEW Masterplanning’s � rst client, and we feel a strong personal as well as professional connection with the future of the city. We are therefore delighted to be able to support the URC and its partners in promoting the quality of work being delivered in the city and the exciting opportunities which still exist.

Before setting up NEW Masterplanning in 2006 Geraint, Andy and Hans led the consortium that prepared the URC Area Regeneration Framework. This Framework has guided the regeneration of key sites across the city. Our strategy for Blackfriars and Southgate Moorings opened up the potential for o� ce, hotel, cultural, leisure and specialist retail development. Our early vision for Kings Square and our work with the City Council and Morley Fund Management shaped the scale of the mixed-use proposals and the brief for the design competition.

Since completing the URC Framework NEW Masterplanning has maintained a strong connection with Gloucester. Our detailed masterplan for British Waterways built on the principles established by the URC Framework. The uses tested in an exciting mixed-use scheme included apartments, town houses and student accommodation, education and employment, retail and leisure together with enhanced public realm, parking and visitor facilities.

For more information on Gloucester or any of our projects please visit our website or phone us on 01202 742228.

Gloucester is just one example of how our strategies and masterplans are already delivering growth and regeneration. Geraint and Andy led the Taunton Vision which identi� ed the potential for signi� cant growth of the town centre. Our award-winning proposals included regeneration of the vacant cattle market (Firepool) as a mixed-use, o� ce-led waterfront development, improvement of the County Cricket Ground and retail expansion on the High Street. All these proposals are being implemented by the private sector and NEW Masterplanning is assisting St Modwen as preferred developer for the Firepool site.

Hans van Bommel, Andy Ward and Geraint Hughes. The directors of NEW Masterplanning.

NEW Masterplanning and Gloucester Heritage URC

NEW Masterplanning in the South West

107 Bournemouth Road, Poole BH14 9HR www.newmasterplanning.com

DPS Ad FINALgh.indd 1 20/05/2009 16:32:49

0� gloucesterurc.co.uk

in pictures

The city’s docks are a vibrant hive of activity once again.

a jewel in the

crownWith a history that dates back to roman times, when it was one of the country’s leading cities, it is little wonder that the city of Gloucester has such a wealth of historic assets. the city’s character is shaped by its heritage, and so is its future. Gloucester Heritage urban regeneration company is working to improve the area for residents, businesses and visitors while protecting and enhancing its historic environment // By Kirsty Macaulay

gloucester 7 summer 2009 0�

» Gloucester cathedral The cathedral sits in the heart of Gloucester city centre, as it has done for almost 1,000 years. A site of Christian worship for over 1,300 years, work started on the building which can be seen today in 1089. The construction was overseen by Serlo, a monk from Mont-St-Michel, Normandy. Henry III was crowned in the cathedral in 1216 at the tender age of nine when the building was known as the Abbey of St Peter.

0� gloucesterurc.co.uk

in pictures

»�BlacKfriars church The magnificent original timber roof can still be seen in the main hall. In its heyday the priory accommodated 40 monks, dwindling to just six and a prior before it was bought by Sir Thomas Bell in 1539 and converted into a private residence.

gloucester 7 summer 2009 09savills.co.uk

Savills BristolEmbassy HouseQueens AvenueBristol BS8 1SB0117 9100 [email protected]

With extensive local knowledge and experience, Savills should be your first call

DevelopmentOur specialistsubject

Please contact:Julian [email protected]

S52708 BRISTOL EXPERT AD 276X230 1 14/4/09 09:52:42

in pictures

» chanGinG faces No. 15 Ladybellegate Street, an old townhouse that has been converted into office space, overlooks Blackfriars Priory.

« ancient walKways The historic buildings and walkways throughout Gloucester’s city centre give it a unique character that is being enhanced by the regeneration programme.

Historically significant buildings,like Bearlands House (right), are being given new leases of life around the city.

10 gloucesterurc.co.uk

»

gloucester 7 summer 2009 11

Who does business here? Technical engineering,manufacturing, the financeindustry, design and technology all have a strong base within thecity through companies such asMessier-Dowty, Avon Metals, andSevern Glocon. There have beenmany investors in retail and leisureover recent years includingdesigner names locating atGloucester Quays, the city’s newretail outlet centre opened in May2009. Companies that haveenjoyed success here for a numberof years are now choosing to re-invest as they expand theiroperations, most notably Unileverhas chosen Gloucester as one ofits main European centres.

Major FutureInvestment andRegeneration The city is benefitting from a tenyear development programme – A new campus for GloucestershireCollege, the new South Westbypass and the opening of TheQuays designer outlet centre haveall created new opportunities atthe historic docks and quays, whilstfurther investment is planned atother key sites in the city.

Unique Heritage and Lifestyle With its Roman foundations,victorian docklands, a magnificentNorman cathedral and animpressive list of award winningmuseums and attractions,Gloucester’s rich historic past

combines with a modern multi-cultural city to create a vibrantatmosphere, full of life andbegging to be explored.

Get in Touch Whether you require assistance infinding the right development siteor property or would like to discussany aspect of locating yourbusiness to the city, The EconomicDevelopment and CommunityRegeneration Team of GloucesterCity Council is here to assist.

Contact us on (01452) 396973,396974 or 396986browse our web pages atwww.gloucester.gov.uk/businessor email us:Anna [email protected] [email protected]

Gloucester City Council,Economic Development and Community Regeneration, Herbert Warehouse, Gloucester Docks, GL1 2EQ

T 01452 396973E [email protected] 01452 396161www.gloucester.gov.uk

Why Gloucester? Cradled by the picturesqueCotswold Hills, with its skylinedominated by its NormanCathedral, Gloucester has plentyto offer in terms of culture andheritage. Combine this with adiverse and growing economy,good access, a skilled workforceand excellent support for businessand you start to understand whylocating in Gloucester city makesgood business sense and canprovide a quality of life second to none. A

DV

ERTIS

ING

FEA

TURE

Gloucester City Council

advert amended.qxp 06/07/2009 13:54 Page 1

gloucester7summer200913

hidden heritage

Gloucester’s regeneration aims to bring new and improved facilities, housing and opportunities to the city. But it is just as much about uncovering and promoting what is already there // By Charlotte goodworth

14gloucesterurc.co.uk

introduction/Hidden heritage

gloucester’s colourful history, dating back to romantimes,iswhatmakesitunique.ThemixofVictoriandocks(ahiveofindustryinthe19thcentury),ancientcathedral(siteofHenryIII’scoronation)andBlackfriars(themostcompleteDominicanFriaryinengland)isnowshapingthecity’sfuture.

Gregsmith,chairofGloucesterHeritageurbanregenerationCompany(GHurC)andprincipalofGloucestershireCollege,says:“GHurCistheonly‘heritage’urCinexistenceandwithmorethan500listedbuildingsintheregenerationareait’seasytoseewhyitissocrucialtopreserveandhighlighttheseexistingassets.However,theaimoftheregenerationprogrammeisnotjusttopreservethebuildingsbuttobringlifebackintothesehistoricareas.”

Officiallylaunchedin2006,GHurCwasfoundedbyfourmainpartners:theHomesandCommunitiesAgency(HCA–formerlyenglishPartnerships);thesouthWestregionalDevelopmentAgency(sWrDA);andGloucester’sCityandCountyCouncils.

Workingtogether,theyarebuildingonthecity’sworld-classheritagetocreateaprosperous,attractiveandsustainableurbancentre.AtsWrDAtheheadofregenerationforGloucestershireandtheWestofengland,ChrisFoley,describe’stheurC’saims:“TheregenerationofGloucesterbringsbenefitsforthecommunityandforbusinessesbymakingthecityabetterplacetoliveandvisit,andbyraisingthecity’sprofile.”

Andithasmadeapositivestart.ArecentreviewbyconsultantAlanBaxter&AssociatessuggestedGloucester’sregenerationisontracktobecomeanexemplarheritage-ledprojectnationallyandinternationally.Fresh,modernbuildings,suchasthenewwaterfrontGloucestershireCollegecampus,sitconfidentlyoppositestunningregeneratedbuildings.“Wearealreadystartingtoseepaybackonouragency’sinvestmentinGloucesterDocks,localroadinfrastructureandtheGloucesterWorksemploymentprojects,”addssWrDA’sFoley.

TheHCAhasbeencloselyinvolvedinsomeoftheurC’searlyprojects,asHCAsouthwestregionaldirectorColinmoltondescribes:“WehavebeenworkingwithGHurConprojectsincludingtherelocationofthecollegeandfundingtheconstructionofthenewHighOrchardBridge.We’renowpoisedforthenextstageofthatcommitmentwiththeredevelopmentoftheformerGloscatsiteatGreyfriarsandbyhelpingtounlockothersitestomovethecityforwardandhelprealiseitsfullpotential.”

Allthisiswithinthecontextofaninitial10-yearplantotransformthecity,aplanthatincludessomeambitioustargets:reclaiming100hectaresofbrownfieldland(aboutthesizeof240footballpitches),repairingandreusing82listedbuildings,delivering2,000jobs,creatingabout30,000sqmofnewshoppingspaceand15,000sqmofnewoffices,building3,000newhomesand

Bloor HomesHaving completed 59 new homes along the Canal Corridor, Bloor Homes is looking at further development in the city.

“£400 million invested so far and £600 million in the pipeline”Gloucester QuaysThe impressive Gloucester Quays development is helping establish the city as a competitive retail destination.

GloucesterCollegeThe college’s new campus, at Gloucester Quays, opened in 2007.

GloucesterDocksThe warehouses in the docks are being given a new lease of life as offices, shops and apartments.


pullingin£1billionofprivateinvestment.GHurCchiefexecutiveChrisOldershawisenthusiasticabouttheorganisation’schancesofmeetingthoseaims.“We’vecometotheendofourfourthyearandwe’vehadjustover£300millionofprivateinvestmentandabout£100millionofpublicsectorinvestment,”hesays.“Plusthereis£600millioninthepipeline.sowe’vemadeagreatstart.”

AGrOuPOFPrOJeCTsACrOssGlOuCesTerleADTHeCITy’sregeneration.Dubbed“Themagnificentseven,”theyare:GloucesterQuays,CanalCorridor,GloucesterDocks,GreaterBlackfriars,Greyfriars,KingsQuarterandrailwayTriangle.muchofthedevelopmentatGloucesterQuays,alongtheGloucesterandsharpnesscanal,isfinishedandgivesagoodindicationofthequalityofGHurC’sregenerationprogramme.GloucesterQuay’snewlycompleted100-unitDesignerOutletCentre,whichhassecuredluxurybrandssuchasCalvinKleinandl.K.Bennett,welcomedover100,000visitorsduringitsopeningweekendinmay2009.ThisdevelopmentincludesanewTravelodgehotelandasainsbury’ssuperstore,alsorecentlyopened.

AnewGloucestershireCollegecampusatGloucesterQuayshasalreadyhadahugeimpactonthearea,introducingaround6,000full-andpart-timestudents,andthenewHighOrchardBridgehasimprovedtrafficflowaroundthecitymakingthewaterfrontmore

visibleandaccessible.OtherrecentachievementsintheareaincludetheconversionandrefurbishmentoftheremainingderelictandvacantVictorianwarehousesintolargelyresidentialaccommodationandtheredevelopmentoftheformerCattlemarketatstOswald’sintoasuccessfulretailandleisurepark.

Butthisisjustthebeginning.ThreetosixmillionextravisitorstoGloucesterareforecast,thankstotheDesignerOutletCentre.AccordingtoaCACIreportcommissionedbyDesignerOutletCentredeveloperPeelHoldings,thereare8.4millionresidentswithin90minutes’driveofthescheme.ThereportpredictsGloucesterQuayscouldrankthirdintheuKbyresidentmarketpotentialforoutletcentres,andashighasseventhineurope.sohowcanGHurCencouragethesevisitorstoexploretherestofthecity,especiallythecitycentre,sothattheeconomicbenefitsarespreadaswidelyaspossible?

GHurCisimprovinglinksbetweentheQuaysandthecitycentre.Planningiswellunderwayandworkisexpectedtostartonthisproject,likelytocostintheregionof£7million,in2009.“WeareintheprocessofbringingforwardprojectssuchasvitaleconomiclinkagesandpublicspaceimprovementsinKingssquare,”Oldershawsays.Thistypeofprojectisseenasvitallyimportantasacatalystforfurtherprivate-sectorinvestment,especiallyinthecontextofthecurrenteconomicdownturn.

Bypass The South West bypass was completed in May 2007.

Kings QuarterThis retail-led mixed-use development will have a major new continental-style public square at its heart.

Vinings WarehouseJust one of a series of converted warehouses in Gloucester Docks. Vinings is now home to apartments and a restaurant.

“£400 million invested so far and £600 million in the pipeline”

Barge ArmThe creation of 84 new flats by Crest Nicholson has reinvigorated the docks area.


introduction/Hidden heritage

ButGHurCisnotconcernedwithphysicalregenerationalone;itisalsoworkinghardtopromotethecity’sremarkableheritageassets,whicharelargelyhiddenfromviewbutwhichOldershawseesasthekeytoincreasingcivicpride.“youneedaresearchdegreetouncoversomeofGloucester’sheritage,”hejokes.“We’vegot500listedbuildingsbutalotofthemarehiddenaway.It’saboutgettingpeopletodiscovertheirheritage.Theyknowaboutthedocksandthecathedral,buttheyprobablydon’tknowaboutsomeofthegemswehaveandit’sacaseofdrawingtheirattentiontothem.WorkingwithmarketingGloucesterandthecity,we’retryingtochangepeople’sviews.”

TheurChelpedsetupmarketingGloucester,abodytaskedwithpromotingthecitytolocalsandtovisitors.IthasdevelopedtouristeventssuchasthehugelysuccessfulTallshipsFestival,toprovidethecitywithavisitorexperiencecapableofattractingpeopleforweekendbreaks.marketingGloucesterchiefexecutiveGrahamWalkerexplainshowheisencouragingpeopletosharehispassionforthecity:“Welaunchedacampaign,‘GloucesterThroughTheAges’,tofillemptyshopfrontwindowswithphotographsofenglandrugbyplayersandmodelsinhistoricdresstocelebrateandpromoteGloucester’srichhistoryinacontemporary,positiveway.ThesecondTallshipsFestivalattractedanestimated100,000visitorsacross

threedaysthisyear,andwasfunded80%bytheprivatesector,whichshowsagreatlevelofconfidence.

“We’realsoworkingtoimprovethepresentationofthecitybyturningthebusstationintoanattractive,welcomingenvironmentandrunningOperationCleanup,whichseekstoimproveessentialservicessuchastoiletprovisionandstreetcleaning.It’sallaboutimprovingcivicpride.”

Boostinglocals’knowledgeandopinionsoftheirhomecityisoneofthekeystothecity’sregenerationanditseemsresidentsarekeentoengageintheprocess–andthebroaderregenerationprogramme.TheGHurCmobileexhibitionunitandcommunityengagementteamtravelacrossthecitytakinginformationtoresidentialareas.Over2,500peopleattendedtheFutureoftheCityeventinmay2009.CouncillorPaulJames,GloucesterCityCouncilleader,believeslocalresidentshavealottobeproudof.“Peopleareanxioustoseechangehappenasquicklyaspossible,”heconcedes.“AsoneoftheuK’stop10historiccities,withoneofeurope’sfinestcathedrals,Gloucesterdeservestobeacitywecanallbeproudof.TheGHurCprogramme,withitsemphasisonpreserving,andpromotingourheritageisvitalifGloucesteristoreachitsfullpotential.”

ItisalsoimportantthatGloucesterisnottreatedinisolationfromthesurroundingcounty.AsIanmean,vice-chairforGHurC

Sainsbury’sthe new supermarket at Gloucester Quays will complete the area’s retail offer.

Laing Homes at West Quay50 new apartments, developed by Laing Homes, opened in 2005.

High Orchard Bridgethe HcA funded High orchard Bridge was completed in november 2008.


andeditorofthecounty’stwodailynewspapers,pointsout:“Gloucester’seminenceasthecountytownwillbere-establishedthroughitscomprehensiveregenerationprogramme.Andwithover£1billionofprivateinvestmentplanned,thecountywillundoubtedlyshareinGloucester’ssuccess.”

ThepromiseofsharedsuccesscouldchangethetraditionalrivalrybetweenGloucesterandneighbouringCheltenham.“Workingmoreclosely,CheltenhamandGloucestercouldbecomeatremendouspowerhouseforeconomicgrowthinthearea,”saysOldershaw.“CheltenhamhasastrongfestivalcultureandGloucesterhasastunningheritageandthenaturalwaterfrontassetsoftheriversevernandthecanal.earlysignsofcooperationareevidentwithacombinedfestivalsprogramme.”

GeographyiscertainlyanassettoGloucester’sregeneration.ProximitytotouristhotspotssuchastheForestofDeanandtheCotswoldsmakeittheperfectbaseforvisitors,whileitstransportconnectionsmakeitanappealingbusinessdestination.Gloucesterisjustonehour’sdrivefromBristol,CardiffandBirmingham,andlessthantwohoursbytrainfromlondon.ItisclosetobothBirminghamandBristolairports.roadlinksarestrongwiththem5runningjusttotheeastofthecityandthem4tothesouth.

ThatshouldhelpGHurCinoneofitsmainaims,attracting

employmenttothecity.Whileabout70%ofthecity’spopulationisofworkingage,itranks94thoutof376placesinenglandandWalesforthenumberofpeoplewhoarelong-termunemployed.Hopingtoimprovethat,sWrDAhasputsignificantsumsofmoneyintoa£6millionprojectcalledGloucesterWorkstogetlocalpeopleintojobs.

GloucesterWorkspullstogethertheCityandCountyCouncils,sWrDA,JobcentrePlusandthelearningandskillsCouncil,offeringfreetrainingandsupporttogivelocalpeoplethenecessaryskillsandconfidenceneededtotacklethenewpostsbeingcreated.TheGloucesterQuaysDesignerOutletCentrealoneisexpectedtocreatearound1,000newjobs,forexample.

GloucesterWorksdirectorAhmedGogabelievesthistypeofschemewillmakeahugedifferencetothepeopleofthecity.“liketherestoftheuK,Gloucesterisexperiencingtougheconomicconditions.Butunlikemanyotherareas,wehaveon-goingmajorinvestmentandarobustnetworkofsupportstructuresinplaceinthecity,whichwillstimulatepositiveactivityinthejobmarket.”

ThatpositiveoutlookisechoedbyGregsmith:“Therewillbeobstaclesanddisappointmentsalongthewaybuttheprizeofatransformedcity,withbetteropportunitiesforall,isdefinitelyworththehardworkandcommitmentwhichisbeinginvested”.

Gloucester through the agesEmpty shop windows are spruced up with images celebrating Gloucester’s rich heritage.

Shipton SquareA series of new public spaces have been created by SWrdA throughout Gloucester docks.

77 777 7 7 7

77

777 7 77

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Tall ShipsFestivalthe tall Ships Festival has established itself as one of the key events in the city’s calendar.

Gloucester Worksthe Gloucester Works scheme aims to reduce the number of long-term unemployed local residents.


GreATer BlAckfriArsNew cultural centre with leisure and retail quarter. New education facility under discussion with university and county council.

Development partner: To be appointed 2009

kinGs quArTerA new events space within a retail-led, mixed-use development. Wider project to include bus station, car park and homes.

Development partner: To be appointed 2009

GreyfriArsAn eco-friendly residential scheme for around 400 homes and open space on the former college site.

Development partner: Galliford Try/Linden Homes

rAilWAy TriAnGleNew proposals focus on an eco-friendly mixed-use employment and residential scheme at this key gateway location.

Development partner: LXB/Network Rail

key

Railway Triangle

Kings Quarter

Greyfriars

Greater Blackfriars

Gloucester Docks

Gloucester Quays

Canal Corridor

GHURC Boundary

PROJECTSPROJECTS


Since 2004 approximately £400 million has been invested in the GHURC area with over £600 million in the pipeline. Plans are being led by seven specific sites in the city centre // By Alex Aspinall

The magnificent seven and more…

GloucesTer docksNew public spaces, flats and refurbished warehouses. New offices at Southgate Moorings and mixed-use scheme at West Quay.

Development partner: Crest Nicholson/British Waterways

cAnAl corridorStrategic gateway into the city. Extensive canal-side residential developments including affordable housing are planned.

Development partner: Commercial Estates/Bloor Homes

GloucesTer quAysA £400 million mixed-use retail, leisure scheme includes designer outlet centre, supermarket, hotel, bridge and college campus.

Development partner: Peel Holdings and British Waterways


PROJECTS - the magnificent seven

The redevelopment of Gloucester Quays is a huge

£400 million investment in the Docks area offering

retail, leisure and residential space.

Gloucester Quays LLP Designer Outlet Centre,

developed by Peel Developments and British

Waterways, opened in may 2009. The 100-unit

centre, reached via the new HCA-funded High

Orchard Bridge, has greatly improved the city’s retail

offer. The regeneration of this area started with

Gloucestershire College’s new campus in 2007.

A new sainsbury’s superstore has just opened,

while the residential and other elements of the

scheme will be delivered between 2010 and 2013.

Planning consent has been granted for 1,000 new

homes by Gloucester Quays LLP. Further plans

include new bars and restaurants, office space and a

hotel creating a brand-new mixed-use area. The Peel

Centre multiplex Cinema recently receiving planning

permission for three additional screens.

GLO

uC

esTer

Qu

Ays

gloucesterquays

Geraint Hughes, director at New masterplanning,

the company commissioned by British Waterways

to evaluate future development on the site, hopes

the opening of the Designer Outlet Centre will aid

the potential success of further developments. He

says: “The Designer Outlet Centre should have a

big impact, putting the docks between that major

attraction and Blackfriars and the cathedral, creating

a big desire line, which should bring a lot more

visitors into the docks. The key thing is to make sure

links to the city centre are there and people don’t

treat the Quays as an out-of-town destination.”

n November 2008 New, HCA funded, High Orchard

Bridge opened

n May 2009 Designer Outlet Centre welcomed 100,000

visitors in its opening weekend

n June 2009 sainsbury’s store opened


A residential

neighbourhood, with

around 400 new homes

will be created at

Greyfriars. The project

sees Linden Homes and

the HCA working to a

masterplan completed by

savills in 2006 to deliver

the new sustainable

community as part of

the Greater Greyfriars

regeneration scheme.

They are currently

engaged in community

consultation, and a

planning application will

be submitted by early

2010.

simon Gait, land

director at Linden

Homes, is optimistic

about the development

of the scheme, and

is looking forward

to dealing with the

challenges of working on

the heritage-based site.

He comments: “I think

it is a good thing that

city centre residential

development is coming

forward. At the minute

there is not a great deal

of choice, and most is

out of the centre. We are

probably two or three

years away from delivery,

and by then there will be

a greater offer.

“The front of the site,

which is undeveloped

at the moment, will

hopefully be left intact,

and that will preserve

what is beneath the

ground, which is

important.”

The development of Kings

Quarter is central to the

regeneration of the city

centre. This mixed-use project,

masterplanned by urban

Initiatives for partners GHurC,

Gloucester City Council and

morleys, will become one of

the more high profile examples

of the shape Gloucester’s retail

sector will take in the future.

The focus is the redesigned

continental-style Kings square,

by Churchman Landscapes/

Niall mcLaughlin Architects,

which will continue to be the

main location for Gloucester’s

festivals and outdoor events.

Caireen O’Hagan,

representing project architects

Churchman Landscapes and

Niall mcLaughlin Architects,

says: “It is an important area

and an integral part of the

new retail scheme. you could

choose to do something

extremely mundane and

inoffensive, but what is going

on is much braver, and more

radical. I think it is just what

Gloucester needs.

“It will be a positive move for

the city. If we follow through

with the design that we

proposed at the competition

stage, and everybody is

on-board, then it will be

fantastic.”

n July 2007 urban Initiatives

masterplan completed for

GHurC, Gloucester City

Council and morleys

n July 2008 Niall mcLaughlin

Architects/Churchman

Landscapes selected to

redesign Kings square

The regeneration of one of the city’s

most historic areas took a step forward

with Feilden Clegg Bradley/savills’ draft

masterplan for the redevelopment of the

Blackfriars site. The plan was drawn up after

a series of community workshops held in

January 2009.

Plans for the site will see the opening

to the public of Blackfriars Priory and

the development of the area as a creative

and cultural industry hub, incorporating

shops, a new hotel, office and commercial

developments, as well as 300 new homes.

The project will link the city centre to the

docks and quays areas, and hopefully become

a major destination in its own right.

Geoff rich, studio leader at Feilden Clegg

Bradley, says: “Gloucester is a great place. The

city has a truly fascinating historic character,

which creates the potential to surprise and

inspire. The Greater Blackfriars masterplan

is perhaps the critical part of the future

regeneration plans for the city as it will

carefully mend an historic city quarter and

help to create a confident new identity based

on the creative re-use of some fantastically

important and under-used historic buildings

like Blackfriars Priory.

“As a focus of conservation, sustainability

and progressive change, the project includes

an exciting mix of ideas designed with a

thorough appreciation of the area’s historic

significance.”

n January 2009 masterplan taken to Princes

Trust organised community workshops

n July 2009 Feilden Clegg Bradley/savills’

draft masterplan completed for sWrDAG

reyFr

IAr

s greyfriars

KIN

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Qu

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kings quarter

Gr

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greater blackfriars

n August 2006 masterplan completed by savills for HCA

residential project

n January 2009 Galliford Try/Linden Homes confirmed

by HCA as development partner

From regenerating cities and creating new communities to designing

inspiring open spaces, EDAW AECOM is a leader in making successful

and sustainable places. We prepare masterplans, design guidelines,

and site plans for a wide range of development types including

large-scale town planning, residential community design, mixed use

developments and public realm schemes. EDAW AECOM’s projects

are grounded in environmental, social and economic sustainability,

while offering cutting-edge, flexible and lasting solutions that create

the best value for clients and communities.

EDAW AECOM has offices in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff

and Belfast with more than 180 spatial and development planners,

masterplanners, urban designers, architects and landscape architects

along with experts in economic development, ecology, project

management, community engagement, graphic design and GIS.

Our projects range from masterplans that guide sustainable Olympic

and legacy development, through Area Action Plans that set the

policy context for lasting physical and economic change, to strategies

for successful, thriving town centres. We have created pioneering

economic-led plans for cities, as well as much-loved public spaces

and squares that put places on the map. Our planning teams have

delivered record-breaking planning applications for the UK’s most

significant developments in a generation. We have planned and

guided delivery of award-winning new communities, and defined new

ways of ensuring that people have access to the social and cultural

infrastructure that makes our towns and cities great places to live.

About AECOMAECOM is a global provider of professional design, planning,

technical and management consultancy services to a broad range

of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental and

energy. With 43,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader

in all of the key markets that it serves. AECOM provides a blend of

global reach, local knowledge, innovation, and technical excellence in

delivering solutions that enhance and sustain the world’s built, natural,

and social environments.

www.aecom.com

www.edaw.co.uk

Enhancing & sustaining the world’s built, natural and social environments.

Changing times,better places

EDAW AECOM is delighted to be involved in the regeneration of Gloucester as part of our work towards the creation of successful communities and great places.

From October 2009, EDAW AECOM will be known as Design + Planning at AECOM, reflecting a closer integration of our services and capabilities.

As Gloucester evolves, so do we...

From regenerating cities and creating new communities to designing

inspiring open spaces, EDAW AECOM is a leader in making successful

and sustainable places. We prepare masterplans, design guidelines,

and site plans for a wide range of development types including

large-scale town planning, residential community design, mixed use

developments and public realm schemes. EDAW AECOM’s projects

are grounded in environmental, social and economic sustainability,

while offering cutting-edge, flexible and lasting solutions that create

the best value for clients and communities.

EDAW AECOM has offices in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff

and Belfast with more than 180 spatial and development planners,

masterplanners, urban designers, architects and landscape architects

along with experts in economic development, ecology, project

management, community engagement, graphic design and GIS.

Our projects range from masterplans that guide sustainable Olympic

and legacy development, through Area Action Plans that set the

policy context for lasting physical and economic change, to strategies

for successful, thriving town centres. We have created pioneering

economic-led plans for cities, as well as much-loved public spaces

and squares that put places on the map. Our planning teams have

delivered record-breaking planning applications for the UK’s most

significant developments in a generation. We have planned and

guided delivery of award-winning new communities, and defined new

ways of ensuring that people have access to the social and cultural

infrastructure that makes our towns and cities great places to live.

About AECOMAECOM is a global provider of professional design, planning,

technical and management consultancy services to a broad range

of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental and

energy. With 43,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader

in all of the key markets that it serves. AECOM provides a blend of

global reach, local knowledge, innovation, and technical excellence in

delivering solutions that enhance and sustain the world’s built, natural,

and social environments.

www.aecom.com

www.edaw.co.uk

Enhancing & sustaining the world’s built, natural and social environments.

Changing times,better places

EDAW AECOM is delighted to be involved in the regeneration of Gloucester as part of our work towards the creation of successful communities and great places.

From October 2009, EDAW AECOM will be known as Design + Planning at AECOM, reflecting a closer integration of our services and capabilities.

As Gloucester evolves, so do we...


PROJECTS - the magnificent seven

Linking Gloucester Quays to the

southern boundary of the city, the Canal

Corridor is a massive stretch of land,

which is currently underutilised.

The areas bordering both sides of

the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

represent excellent redevelopment

sites, which could be used to create

residential, commercial and leisure-

based developments that re-establish

the canal’s relevance at the heart of the

city. The South West bypass project was

completed in 2007, 59 additional homes

have been completed and planning

consent has already been granted for a

further 500 units.

The scheme is ambitious, and still in

its infancy at present, with work being

carried out to assess exactly what should

be delivered along each section of the

canal.

Steve Macpherson, strategic land and

planning manager at Bloor Homes says:

“Long ago it was identified that this area

was an up and coming part of the city,

and as we have developed on the site we

have had Gloucester Quays open up on

the other side of the canal, and there

is also Sainsbury’s adjoining our site.

There is a good ripple effect on the back

of those developments, and we hope to

see some good sales on the project.”

Work is already afoot to establish a

Business Improvement District (BID) for

the area, which would focus attempts to

boost the canal corridor’s appeal.

n Planning consent granted for 500 new

homes by Bloor Homes and Commercial

Estates Group

n May 2007 South West Bypass opened

n January 2009 Completion of 59 new

houses by Bloor Homes

n August 2009 BID ballot scheduled

CA

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rID

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canalcorridor


Initial plans for the regeneration of the

railway Triangle site were unveiled in April

2009 at a community event encouraging input

from local people and business.

The 19-hectare site, which is mainly

brownfield land, is currently an underutilised

area on the edge of the city centre. Draft

masterplans, by GVA Grimley/eDAW, for the

mixed-use development include eco-housing

and employment with a medi-park, health

innovations centre and improved pedestrian

and cycling links to the city centre.

eDAW principal sandra roebuck says: “The

key to making the site a success is to get the

right developments, and the right mixture of

developments, not only for the stakeholders

but also for the community. We also need to

resolve some of the access issues, and make

sure the developments are of a high quality.”

n June 2009 GVA Grimley/eDAW complete draft

masterplan for HCA scheme

n GHurC confirms support for new Parkway

station at elmbridge Court

rA

ILWA

yTr

IAN

GLe

railwaytriangle

Gloucester’s impressive docks are already being

restored to their former glory with the creation

of shops, bars, restaurants, more than 230

residential apartments by Crest Nicholson and

Laing Homes, and public spaces on the site. The

area’s heritage has taken centre stage, with the

continued operation of the boat repair yard and

dry docks and the presence of tall ships.

Public realm works at shipton and mariners

square are now complete. The area will form

part of a public route, linking Gloucester Quays

and the docks to the city centre. Work for this

stage of the project should begin on site by the

end of 2009.

mike Tilt, director of development at GHurC,

says: “This project will link the city’s primary

shopping area with Gloucester Quays. There has

been massive investment in the historic docks,

and the area is increasingly vibrant. It is now a

case of finishing it off and creating the linkages

to the other areas of the city.”

n December 2006 Over 230 new homes built

n March 2008 shipton and mariners squares

completed

n January 2009 West Quay phase II masterplan

by New masterplanning completed

GLO

uC

esTer

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s

gloucesterdocks

GLOUCESTERMonk Meadow Quay, off Secunda Way, Hempsted, Gloucester GL2 5GAChoice of 1, 3 and 4 bedroom houses.Prices from £114,950. Tel: 01452 300 516

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MARKETING SUITES AND SHOWHOMES OPEN 10.00AM – 5.15PM DAILY

COMING SOONDursley: 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes. First release August.For more information call 0845 293 8790

Building quality homes in Gloucestershire

Typical 4 bedroom designs at Rudgeway Fields

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BO1630 G7 255x197 Ad 11/6/09 16:15 Page 1


Community engagement is

an essential ingredient to

successful regeneration. sam

Hoad, community engagement

manager at GHurC comments:

“We actively encourage local

people to get involved. We have

community ambassadors who

provide vital bridges, elected by

the forums not us, telling us how

we can best reach certain groups

and get their views,” Hoad says.

“It’s vital we reach out to them

so they understand the plans and

have a feeling of pride in what’s

happening to their city.”

mobile exhibition units

regularly venture across the

city. Hoad has met many older

residents who recall past planning

mistakes. “People know Gloucester

needs to change but they are

concerned as to how it will affect

them,” Hoad says.

And the interest in Gloucester

Heritage’s regeneration plans

for the city can be gauged by the

crowd of over 2,500 who attended

the four-day Future Of The City

exhibition at Blackfriars Priory

in may, where the plans were

unveiled and debated.

CO

mm

uN

ITy

eNG

AG

emeN

T

community engagement

Designed to meet the jobs and skills needs of local workers and

residents, Gloucester Works was launched in september 2008. The

£6 million plan will improve workforce skills and the employability of

those working and living in the city.

Delivered by business-led economic partnership Gloucestershire

First, the scheme works with employers to locate and recruit members

of staff, and with workers to ensure they possess the skills and

qualifications required by the city’s businesses.

A key part of Gloucester Works’ activity has been to support the

launch of the multi-million pound Gloucester Quays development,

which will eventually create 1,000 new jobs. A recruitment event held

by Gloucester Works attracted over 1,700 people.

GLO

uC

esTerW

Or

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gloucesterworks

December 2008 saw the

coming of age of marketing

Gloucester, when it went

‘live’ as a not for profit

company. Its aims are to:

‘promote Gloucester as a

retail, leisure and business

centre for the south West,’

and ‘improve the image and

perception of Gloucester’ by

visitors, investors, the media

and local people.

marketing Gloucester

is working closely with

GHurC, and has already

made its presence felt with

an innovative Gloucester

Through the Ages event.

This transformed the city

to various stages from

its history with roman

encampments, Nelsonian

boats and vehicles from

World War II set up across

the city centre.

It also ran the second Tall

ships festival in Gloucester

Docks which attracted tens

of thousands to the city.

mA

rK

eTING

G

LOu

CesTer

marketing gloucester

Gloucester Heritage urban

regeneration Company has underlined

its commitment to including all

sections of society in their consultation

work by establishing the urban youth

Forum.

The forum gives young people, a

group often overlooked by community

engagement programmes, the

opportunity to get involved. It brings

together young people from schools

and youth groups, allowing the young

people of Gloucester to influence at the

highest levels the direction in which

their city is moving.

ur

BA

N yO

uTH

FOr

um

urban youth forum

PROJECTS - community regeneration


The much-anticipated restoration

of the canal system stretching from

Brimscombe and stonehouse has

taken a huge step towards realisation,

following the creation of a company set

up to acquire and oversee the necessary

works.

The stroud Valley Canal Company,

which was established in march

2009 for this purpose, will also take

on responsibility for the operation,

management and maintenance of the

canal once the initial restoration work

is carried out.

The restoration is being led by

stroud District Council, and has

already attracted £19.6 million of

external funding, drawn mainly from

the Heritage Fund and the south West

regional Development Agency.

sTrO

uD

VALLey

CA

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L CO

mPA

Ny

stroud valley canal company

PROJECTS - across the county

New employment opportunities, homes, leisure facilities

and public spaces will be created for this former coalfield

community, thanks to investment from the Homes and

Communities Agency and other stakeholders.

Plans include a major new access road, 189 mixed

tenure homes, with an emphasis on affordability,

20,000sq m of employment space and a new further

education college.

The development will be delivered within a ‘Green

Charter’ which will promote exemplar environmental and

design standards.

CIN

Der

FOr

D

reG

eNer

ATIO

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cinderfordregeneration

Adopted by Cheltenham Borough Council back in July 2008,

the Cheltenham Civic Pride urban Design Framework is a

project designed to boost the local economy of the town by

enhancing its streets and public spaces.

The jointly funded consultancy study looked at the

urban design, transport and public realm strategies and

development proposals for three key town centre sites. It

is hoped to develop a partnership comprising Cheltenham

Borough Council, Gloucestershire County Council and

sWrDA to progress the framework from planning

to delivery.

CH

eLTeNH

Am

C

IVIC

PrID

e

cheltenhamcivic pride

Gloucestershire County Council’s rural

renaissance scheme has invested

£8 million in more than 100 projects

designed to aid rural communities

and businesses since 2005. The money

has boosted the rural economy

through investment in job creation,

employment support, business

creation, business support, accessibility

and skills.

The partnership sees a cross-section

of public, private and voluntary sector

organisations working together to

facilitate change in rural Gloucester.

The south West regional Development

Agency has contributed £4 million to

the initiative so far, with the rest of the

funding being drawn from the public

and private sectors.

ru

rA

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eNA

IssAN

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ruralrenaissance

lindenhomes.co.uk

Welcome to Linden HomesLinden Homes is delighted to be involved with this major regeneration project in the heart of the historic city of Gloucester. We are part of Galliford Try plc, one of the UKs leading construction and housebuilding groups, bringing our local experience and understanding together with the strength and reassurance of a major plc.

we are determined that our involvement in this exciting renaissance will bring major benefits to homebuyers, businesses and people of Gloucester.

You’re home.

Looking for the perfect partner in Gloucester’s regeneration?

GLOUCESTER


WATERSIDE/Natural assets

Natural AssetsWaterside regeneration has transformed cities across the UK. But what can Gloucester learn from them? // By Toby Fox

Gloucester, unlike many other UK cities, has a lot of natural assets. The River Severn and the Sharpness Canal have already attracted £200 million of investment into Gloucester Docks and further opportunities lie ahead. Of the seven key sites at the heart of the city’s development programme, four – Greater Blackfriars, Gloucester Docks, Gloucester Quays and Canal Quarter – have waterside frontages. That’s a big advantage for the city to exploit, when the importance of river and canal frontages in the successful regeneration of other cities is considered. Less than 50 miles from Gloucester, Birmingham is a perfect example. Asked a decade ago the whereabouts of canal-side Brindleyplace, Birmingham’s residents might have been scratching their heads. Today they don’t need to be asked: the crowds thronging to attractions such as the Sea Life Centre are enough of a clue.

Brindleyplace was begun by Argent in 1993 and the first phase of about 5,500sq m of canal-side shops, restaurants and bars, called The Water’s Edge, opened the following year. Brindleyplace is now a bustling combination of over 100,000sq m of striking office buildings and apartments, retail and dining, civic squares and leisure facilities including the Sea Life Centre. “With each development at Brindleyplace we have tried to introduce something new,” says joint managing director Gary Taylor. “We use a simple approach, setting ourselves the challenge of providing everything you need during the working day alongside an eclectic mix of high-quality leisure facilities to attract visitors at other times.”

The scheme’s latest new building, the Glenn Howells-designed 12-storey Eleven Brindleyplace, opened in March 2009 offering over 10,000sq m of grade A office space. Property agent Colliers CRE took a five-year lease on over 500sq m of the top

floor for its 60-strong Midlands operation. “Of course there were all sorts of reasons for locating here, but the waterfront was certainly a consideration,” says Colliers head of Birmingham office David Smeeton. “From the village where I live, I could cycle the entire journey to work along the Trent and Mersey Canal without once meeting a road.” And he adds that the canalside location is a lively and attractive environment for the company’s employees to enjoy. “We are just drawn to the water,” he concludes.

“Water provides a focus for an area,” adds Philip Harcourt, head of development consulting at Colliers CRE. “A lot of people are attracted to waterside locations and it can turn a location into a destination.” Humans have a profound attraction to water. “It’s not very scientific but it’s quite simple,” maintains Harcourt. “If you’re choosing between two identical buildings, one on a waterfront and one not, you’ll choose the one on the water.”

Harcourt points to many examples of successful waterfront-based regeneration: Canary Wharf in London, the docks in Liverpool and, in Wales, Cardiff Bay. He teases out common reasons for their success.

“If you put Canary Wharf in [South London suburb] Peckham, for example, it wouldn’t have been the success it was,” he says. “The waterside location isn’t the only factor, but it is certainly one. It enhanced the marketability of Canary Wharf. Liverpool has put attractions on the waterfront and encouraged the city to move towards it.”

Harcourt is referring to Kings Waterfront which has augmented the already successful Albert Dock scheme with a new 10,600-capacity Liverpool Arena and Convention Centre, alongside a mixed-use development of residential, hotel, office, retail, leisure, community and open space uses.

Water provides a focus for an area, it can turn a location into a destination. It’s not very scientific but it’s quite simple – if you’re choosing between two identical buildings, one on a waterfront and one not, you’ll choose the one on the water

says Philip Harcourt, head of development consulting at Colliers CRE

gloucester 7 SuMMER 2009 31

WATER WoNDERlAND

Formerly neglected and run-down waterside areas have been regenerated with dramatic effect across the country. (Anticlockwise from main pic) Converted warehouses in Gloucester Docks, Brindleyplace in Birmingham,

Liverpool’s Albert Docks and the docks in Ipswich.


WATERSIDE/Natural assets

Ships event, which has been going since 2007 and attracted an estimated 100,000 visitors at this year’s three-day event.

Visitor numbers to Gloucester’s waterfront have rocketed since the opening of the Designer Outlet Centre. Tony Hales, chairman at British Waterways commented: “It is a fantastic addition complementing the other attractions, the boats and open space which make the Docks such a treasured asset.” GHuRC plans to build on the success, it is working with the local rowing club to facilitate funding for relocation to a bigger building on the other side of the canal, adding to the vibrancy of the waterfront. Richard Owen, project director at GHuRC comments: “It’s a long, straight stretch of water perfect for rowing. We want to maximise the use of the water – we’ve got it, let’s use it.”

Creating an attractive, and busy, waterfront is certainly the key to success. SWRDA is considering funding development of the public realm between the Quays and city centre, which is currently parking space. Owen explains: “It’s a great spot to sit and enjoy the sunshine. We want to improve the area so people want to walk through and spend time there.”

The popularity of waterfront living has grown since the first ‘yuppie’ flats at Albert Docks in Liverpool and the river at Canary Wharf were developed in the late 1980s. And it is clear that residential accommodation plays a valuable role in reconnecting people to the waterfront. A concept Gloucester understands – many of the dockside warehouses are now homes and further conversions are planned. Crest Nicholson is planning new homes on Merchants Quay with ground floor shops and restaurants, which it is hoped will encourage more activity in the area. Paul James, leader of Gloucester City Council, says: “Most of the warehouses are now homes or offices, so they are in use but currently there is not enough confidence to open shops and restaurants. Hopefully that will change now the outlet centre is open and the area is visibly busier. Gloucester’s waterfront is an amazing asset, improving it will not only benefit residents but also attract tourism and therefore revenue to the city.”

But not all waterfront attractions are successful. “Cinemas are essentially inward-looking,” Harcourt continues. “Why do they need to be on a waterfront? It’s a waste of a view and you might as well be anywhere.” He concludes that planning is the essential first step to waterside regeneration. “The first thing to do is look at how you want the scheme to work, how you want people to behave, how the city and waterfront need to interact. Do the planning first, before you get architects in to do the design.”

Ipswich councillor and economic development portfolio holder Richard Atkins agrees. “You need to know what picture the jigsaw will be when it’s complete, before putting the pieces together,” he says of the £1 billion-plus waterfront regeneration in the Ipswich Dock Basin. The scheme started in the late 1990s when the commercial port moved its centre of operations downstream and developers moved into the northern quays area. They have built hundreds of flats, the four-star Salthouse Harbour Hotel in a converted warehouse, offices, restaurants, cafes and marinas.

AT A TRADE EVENT CALLED WATERFRONT Expo held in November 2008, Colliers International chaired a workshop entitled “Connecting the Waterfront to the City”, attended by waterfront managers and developers from across the world. One of the workshop’s conclusions was the critical importance of events taking place on the water’s edge, to draw the city towards the water and create a perception of excitement and activity in visitors’ minds. Bristol Harbour Festival is a standout example, evolving over the last 37 years as the Bristol Harbourside area has been developed, to the point where 230,000 people (and 230 vessels) attended last year’s free weekend event. The crowds spent an estimated £5 million and enjoyed music, dance, circus, fireworks and historic ships. “It’s the flagship event for us, representative of Bristol and promoting the city to the rest of country – it shows off Bristol’s best bits,” says Bristol City Council festivals and events officer Jessica Noakes.

It’s a classic example of water helping to create a destination, and Gloucester is building a similar success story with its Tall 77 77

7 7 7 77

7777 7 77

77g7g

People are naturally drawn to waterside areas if they are accessible but the key is to encourage visitors.

Bristol has been successfully attracting residents and tourists to its waterfront via its Harbour

Festival(above) for years and Gloucester is achieving similar

success with its Tall Ships Festival and Waterways Museum (top).

At Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios we are intrigued by the ways in which cities create unique identities through their relationship with their historic development. We also recognise the power of a city’s history to inspire its citizens through helping people to discover, understand and learn about the places that shape their home town.

In Gloucester we have been inspired by the fascinating combination of Roman, Medieval and Victorian ‘layers’ within the Greater Blackfriars area, and the passion of the local people for the possibility of progressive change for their city.

Designing for a Heritage city like Gloucester demands the highest design skills in both the repair of historic buildings and in designing for contemporary lifestyles. We believe that the very best schemes for historic sites demonstrate that conservation and design are truly inseparable. We always seek a continuity

of design from the Conservation Planning for historic buildings such as the C13th Blackfriars Priory right through to the sensitive design of new buildings that set new benchmarks for design quality and sustainability.

As Masterplanning Architects of the Year we are very proud that our attention to detail in designing for historic cities was recognised by the RIBA Stirling Prize for Accordia in Cambridge, and to have achieved full planning permission for the major Western Riverside Development in the World Heritage City of Bath. These and our other urban regeneration schemes in London, Manchester, Leeds, Cardiff, Glasgow, Bristol and Birmingham demonstrate our understanding of successful public spaces and our abilities as forward thinking urban designers. Geoff Rich

Geof Rich leads FCBS’ Creative Re-Use [email protected]

Greater Blackfriars masterplan, Gloucester

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios has a national reputation for sustainable conservation, design and regeneration. Their clients include Historic Royal Palaces, the National Trust and they are framework architects for English Heritage and the Homes and Communities Agency.

QUAD Visual Arts and Media Centre, Derby

RIBA Stirling Prize 2008: Accordia, Cambridge

Regeneratingheritagecities

Bath BreweryToll Bridge RoadBath BA1 7DE +44 (0)1225 852545www.fcbstudios.com

Circus House21 Great Titchfield StreetLondon W1W 8BA +44 (0)20 7323 5737

G7mag_singlepagead final.indd 11 15/05/2009 11:39:23


RETAIL/Broadening horizons

Broadening horizonsThe opening of a major new shopping centre heralds the beginning of a new dawn for

Gloucester’s retail scene // By Adrienne Margolis

Gloucester’s retail sector is undergoing a major overhaul to improve what is on offer not just for locals, but casting the net wide to attract millions of potential shoppers from further afield. The catalyst for the change is the Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet Centre that opened in May bringing discounted top fashion brands to the city and with it 100,000 visitors in the first week of opening.

Developer Peel Holdings started work on the site in the late 1990s, initially in competition but eventually in partnership with British Waterways, which owned land on the other side of the canal. The decision to build a designer outlet centre was based on independent research commissioned by Peel on the retail potential of a centre of this type and the impact of similar projects all over Europe.

“The report guided us to the type of tenant we should be seeking,” explains Lindsey Ashworth, Gloucester Quays chairman and Peel development director. “If you get the mix wrong, people won’t shop there.” The recommendation was to target mid- to high-range stores,

which could draw in more than three million shoppers annually and put the city in the top five, according to the report.

Recession has taken hold since that 2006 report. But Gloucester Quays is bucking the trend, the fit out quality of the centre itself, with polished granite, marble floors and modern exteriors, along with the potential identified in the report, have drawn top brand designer tenants in: such as The White Company and Calvin Klein. “We found with [previous Peel development] the Trafford Centre in Manchester that visitor numbers rose from 10 million to 32 million, because shoppers thought it was a nice place to be,” Ashworth says.

The designer outlet centre, and newly opened Sainsbury’s store will also bring benefits to retailers elsewhere in the city. With 60% of Gloucester residents previously not shopping in the city, Ashworth points out that other local businesses should profit as the Designer Outlet Centre convinces some of those people to shop locally. He says: “I believe Gloucester Quays will be a turning point


«100,000 visitors flocked to Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet Centre in its first week of trading.

for the fortunes of this great city and lead it into better and more prosperous times.”

And it is not just shops the development is offering. A food court, named after the adjacent Pillar and Lucy warehouse, will open later this year. Restaurants will open out onto the waterfront and a new public square offering weary shoppers the opportunity to recharge their batteries before setting off again. Importantly, as outlet centre director Franco Muccini points out: “In purely economic terms it encourages people to spend time and money in the area.”

Gloucester’s retail offer was on a par with nearby Cheltenham in the 1980s, but since then the quality of shopping in Cheltenham has improved markedly, leaving Gloucester behind. At The Mall shopping centre in Eastgate Street, at the heart of the city’s shopping area, centre manager Neil Draper explains: “The main concern in Gloucester has been that the city has struggled to get good fashion brands to come here.”

For Ashworth, though, this deterioration presents an opportunity: “This is probably the last location in England where a designer

Gloucester Quays will bring in more than three million extra people every year

says Chris Oldershaw, chief executive of Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company

» Hopes are high that the new outlet centre will act as a catalyst for the city’s retail sector which has declined over recent years.

»


RETAIL/Broadening horizons

outlet centre can be built,” he claims. “The public made it happen – they got behind the plan in the beginning, and filled in thousands of forms supporting it. That meant the council got behind it too.”

“We have recognised for many years that Gloucester has been underperforming as a retail centre and we have a ten-year plan to address this deficit,” says Chris Oldershaw, chief executive of GHuRC. “Gloucester Quays will bring in more than three million extra people every year and we are acutely aware of the benefits of this if we attract them to the city centre.” This is the thinking behind a major £7.4 million project to create pedestrian links between the two areas to ensure shoppers explore past the Quays into the Docks and beyond. Work is likely to begin on this project later in 2009. “Even if 10% of people who visit the Quays come into the city centre, it will be a major benefit,” Oldershaw points out.

ANOTHER PIECE OF GLOuCESTER’S NEW RETAIL jIGSAW is the Kings Quarter development at the heart of the city centre. The scheme will create over 29,000sq m of new retail space set around a public square as well as a new bus station and car park. Development partners will be announced later this year, but the plans must go through Eu processes. This is a long-term project that may take until 2015.

Kings Quarter will transform the city centre, according to Chief Executive of Gloucester City Council julian Wain. “At the moment we do not have the type of space some retailers require,” he says. “But they would take space in a new scheme like Kings Quarter.” Smaller businesses are also enthusiastic about the planned improvements. “It is a fantastic opportunity”, says Mark Owen, chairman of the Gloucester branch of the Federation of Small Businesses. Improved transport links, especially those connecting the train and bus stations, will make a huge difference as the area is the gateway to the city.

In the meantime, work starts early next year on refurbishing Kings Square. A continental-style square is planned, encouraging people to spend time in the city centre during the day, and encouraging a resurgence of the city’s evening economy.

Nearby Kings Walk shopping centre is also hoping to benefit from the new square. “We are a busy shopping centre with a high footfall, on a public thoroughfare from the railway and the bus stations,” manager Paul Chalmers explains. He adds that improvements are planned for the centre “to give the place a spark and increase the dwell time”.

“The creation of a public square and some independent retail is an opportunity for us to broaden our offer,” Chalmers continues.

Most of the Kings Quarter scheme is some years off, so local retailers are looking elsewhere for early progress. At The Mall, Draper is targeting one market in particular. “Where space is becoming available we have encouraged smaller independent shops,” he says. “We have 9,000 students in the city and independents are turning to this niche market.”

A city with such unique, historic buildings lends itself well to independent retailers. Oldershaw hopes to encourage a mix of retail. “We want to have a strong independent sector and not be a clone town,” he says. “We have our fair share of independent shops. In the current economic climate retailers have got to raise their game and promote themselves. They could take advantage of Gloucester Quays opening.”

Additional sites for independent retailers are planned in the Blackfriars area. This is a very important location between the Docks and core city centre where regeneration has been promised for 20 years but not happened, until now. Oldershaw believes: “Blackfriars is one of the city’s most exciting possibilities. It could become a cultural and commercial centre. For example the Friary is a fantastic building, but it is not currently open to the public on a regular basis.”

Another heritage site set to make its mark on the city centre is St Michael’s Tower. This summer the tower, built in 1455, will open as a heritage and performing arts centre and hopes are high that it will attract more people to the city centre. As Marilyn Champion at Gloucester Civic Trust explains: “We’ve got 50 tour guides and audio trails aimed at making heritage fun and educating local people on how the past impacts on how we live today. The building will look fantastic and definitely increase footfall. Local businesses are quite excited and have been very supportive. We ran a promotional event last year and had 10,000 visitors – Thorntons ran out of ice-cream and Starbucks sold three times as much coffee as normal. Retailers can see the benefits, it does work.”

Historically markets have played a vital role in Gloucester’s retail mix and have done for centuries. As well as an indoor market in Eastgate Street, there is a popular weekly farmers’ market, and a market in Kings Square on Fridays and Saturdays. There is also a new site, Hempsted Meadows, on the edge of the city, which attracted 11,000 people on the opening day last summer.

The markets are an important attraction for the city and much has been done to encourage visitors including promotion and new parking tariffs. In terms of the overall offer, the new outlet centre is all about high quality and value which complements the city centre. Gloucester will be the place to come to get good quality and value in a unique setting. 77 77

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»As well as designer stores Gloucester Quays also offers a new Sainsbury’s supermarket.

»Retailers in the city centre should benefit from increased footfall from visitors to the newly opened Gloucester Quays and St Michael’s Tower.

»Gloucester’s mix of shops will be complemented by retail-led development at Gloucester Quays, Blackfriars, Kings Square and the Docks.

»Markets have always been an integral part of Gloucester’s retail offer. Today it has not only the traditional market in Kings Square but also a regular farmers’ market.



HERITAGE/Back to the future

Back to the future

regeneration is not just about new buildings but also enhancing what exists. This is particularly true in historic cities where ancient city walls, cathedrals or period buildings help create a unique sense of place as well as fostering a sense of pride and collective identity within the local community. Andrew Gravells, Gloucestershire County Councillor, says: “Heritage-led regeneration requires a different, more considered approach. A city’s past must be taken into account before plans are mapped out for its future.”

Andrew Vines, English Heritage’s South West regional director explains: “One of the main ways heritage-based regeneration differs is that it looks at historic assets, and how they can be used in the future, rather than focusing just on new developments.

Regeneration can be difficult in a place with as much history as Gloucester. But this city is learning from other heritage-based regeneration programmes // By alex aspinall

“In Gloucester we undertook a characterisation exercise with Alan Baxter & Associates across the URC’s area early on before there was any real strategy in place, and the idea was that an understanding of historic assets, and the form of development in the past, will inform the city’s regeneration in the future.”

Bringing underutilised assets back into the centre of everyday city life is a particularly positive aspect of regeneration. But this is not easily achieved. Working around buildings and sites of historical significance is packed with potential pitfalls. However, while accepting that things may have to move slightly slower, the results can be worth it in terms of competitive edge.

Director of Peel Developments Lindsey Ashworth, who is also the chairman of the

gloucester 7 SUmmER 2009 39

Gloucester Quays LLP, a joint venture with British Waterways, built the newly-opened and highly successful Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet Centre. He says: “There is a perception that dealing with listed buildings costs more and takes longer to secure a consent and although this probably is not the case for most listed buildings what is certain is that the finished product always offers definitive quality as well as competitive advantage.”

The regeneration work carried out in the Grainger Town area of Newcastle city centre is often regarded as an example of best practice regeneration of a heritage site. Built in the 1830s and 1840s, Grainger Town formed the historic heart of the city centre but it fell from grace during the 1980s and 1990s, as retail and commercial activity

Gloucester’s heritage is absolutely pivotal to how we promote the city. heritage brings people here

«Opposite page: 15th century Llanthony Priory sits next to Gloucestershire College’s new building.

»Top left: The Crypt School, which was originally founded in 1539.

»Top right: Robert Raikes’ House reopened after an extensive £4.5 million restoration project by Samuel Smith Brewery.

»Bottom left: The revitalisation of Gothenburg’s former shipyards has created a new quarter in the city.

»Bottom right: After years of neglect Grainger Town in Newcastle is now a thriving part of the city centre.


HERITAGE/Back to the future

moved to other areas of the city.Despite 40% of its buildings being listed

as historically or architecturally important, Grainger Town became an underutilised asset. With a falling resident population and almost 100,000sq m of unoccupied floor space the area and its buildings began to fall into disrepair.

This decline was reversed by the £200 million Grainger Town Project, which was established in 1997. The project ran for six years investing both public and private sector funding in upgrading the quality of the built environment, and on improving business, social and cultural life in the area. Grainger Town is now, once again, a thriving area of the city centre with a mix of uses, and an enviable footfall.

Vines recognises the merits of what was achieved in Newcastle. “Grainger Town is good because it shows what can be done in a historic context,” he says. “There are other examples too, with the docks in Liverpool being a good one.”

THE HERITAGE-fOCUSED REGENERATION of Gothenburg’s shipyards is regarded as a success. The area was once one of the city’s most dynamic centres, with 15,000 employees in its heyday. But as competition from cheaper foreign firms mounted, companies closed down, and the shipyards were nationalised and run down in an orderly way, leaving a largely derelict site.

But dedication from the public sector, and support from large private sector organisations allowed the gradual reinvigoration of the area. A stylish mixed-use quarter has grown out of the former shipyards. The area is now synonymous with quality design, and boasts a collection of education and research facilities, as well as a cluster of knowledge-led businesses and residential units. more people now live and work in the area than ever before, and an important piece of the city’s history has been preserved for residents and visitors.

The revival of Gothenburg’s waterside, and the transformation of Grainger Town, London’s South Bank and the redevelopment of the vast mills at Ancoats in manchester show how heritage-led regeneration can allow cities to retain their unique historic buildings while gaining

new cultural, business or retail space. The projects at Gloucester Quays and around the city’s docks provide the perfect opportunity for similar success stories.

Ian Williams, heritage and urban design executive at GHURC comments: “Part of the story of making the most of heritage assets is providing a setting of appropriate quality, with renewed high-quality public realm.

“This process is under way, with fine public spaces being provided now at Gloucester Quays, through into the docks.”

Chris Boydell of Conisbee structural engineers echoes Williams’ emphasis on finding appropriate uses for the redevelopment sites. “At Gloucester Docks it is not just about docks or canals, it is about the re-use of the buildings for mixed-use purposes,” he says. “It is about the breadth of the redevelopment. Getting the balance right is important, so that the space created remains a living space. Part of redeveloping anything is to find a more appropriate, better use.”

The raw material is already in place in the shape of the city’s historic buildings, as are the plans for their redevelopment, and through considered regeneration, and successful partnerships between the public and private sectors, Gloucester could soon be adding its name to the list of historic cities around the world that have achieved successful, sympathetic regeneration.

This approach is certainly welcomed by those charged with promoting the city. marketing Gloucester works closely with GHURC and is looking forward to the completion of more heritage-led projects, as they are perfect for persuading potential visitors to take a closer look at the city. As Graham Walker, chief executive of marketing Gloucester, explains: “Gloucester’s heritage is absolutely pivotal to how we promote the city. Over 70% of people that come to Gloucester as tourists come to visit the cathedral. Heritage brings people here. Our offer should be based on heritage but also on showing that Gloucester is a happening, exciting place to be.”

History and heritage form a huge part of Gloucester’s attraction. The historic nature of the city also informs the direction its regeneration is taking, and the end product will represent something unique. 77 77

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The GHURC area includes:

33 ancient monuments

490 listed buildings

37 Grade I listed buildings

51 Grade II* listed buildings

36 buildings on the ‘At Risk’ register

7 major regeneration projects

GloUCesTeR’s HeRiTaGe in nUmbeRs

«The redevelopment of Bankside Power Station into Tate Modern has given the building a new lease of life and the South Bank a contemporary art gallery.

«As the country’s only heritage Urban Regeneration Company Gloucester’s wealth of historic buildings will, unsurprisingly, shape its regeneration plans.

«Newcastle’s Grainger Town was run down and neglected before the regeneration programme brought it back into city centre use.


For more information about these companies, visit www.Gloucester7.com/links

Gloucester 7 partners group Joining together to support Gloucester

Alder King [email protected]

Am-pm design and [email protected]

BPE [email protected]

British [email protected]

Bruton [email protected]

The Destination Marketing GroupPhilip Cooke

[email protected]

EcclesiasticalIan Simpson

[email protected]

Gloucestershire CollegePeter White

[email protected]

Gloucestershire County CouncilSimon Excell

[email protected]

HSBC Richard Hardy

[email protected]

Lincoln Financial [email protected]

Litchfield MorrisChris Morris

[email protected]

Moose Marketing and PR Mark Owen

[email protected]

Nicky Godding [email protected]

South West RDAIan Knight

[email protected]

Nicky Godding Communications

...www.gloucesterurc.co.ukFor further information, please contact: Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company Ltd15 Ladybellegate Street, Gloucester GL1 2HN

tel 01452 782 990 emailÊofÞ[email protected]

the changing

magnificent seven...

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BUSINESS/Backed by business

Backed By Business

In these gloomy times there is an air of positivity hanging over Gloucester as businesses back the city’s regeneration programme // By noella Pio kivlehan


BUSINESS/Backed by business

Gloucester has long been an alluringalternativetootherbusinesslocations.AtecclesiasticalInsurance,whichmovedtothecityfromLondonover30yearsago,directorofstrategicplanningIansimpsoncountsoffthemainattractions:“Wewantedabetterenvironmentforourstaff,andwealsowantedtotapintothegrowinglabourpoolinthisarea.Thishasproventobeagreatdecision.Ourrootsintheareaarenowwell-established.Weemployover600people,drawingourskilledpeoplefromthelocalareaandfromfurtherafield.

“Gloucesterisagreatplacetoliveandworkatthemoment.Itisacityontheup,withanimpressivehistoryandbagsofpotentialforthefuture.”

Thereisnoshortageofpraiseforthecityfromthebusinessesithosts.AtLincolnFinancialGroupuK,presidentandmanagingdirectormichaelTallett-Williamsadds:“myexperienceofworkinginGloucesterisonewherethepeopleworkingforLincolnhavebeenhardworking,loyalandcommitted.ThishascontributedtooursuccessandhelpedtomakeworkinginGloucesteranenjoyabletimeforme.”

AndmarkOwen,managingdirectorofmoosemarketingandPrandchairmanofmarketingGloucester,comments:“Asabusinesscentre,thecityhasavibrant,activeandincrediblyfriendlybusinesscommunitywhere,overtheyears,Ihavemadesomestrongandlastingpersonalfriendships.Idon’tthinkitwouldbeanythinglikethatinthemoreanonymousbusinessenvironmentofalargecitylikeBirminghamorBristol.”

Whilethepeopleandscaleofthecityareimportanttomanybusinessowners,atViningsrestauranttheownermuyazzomChoudhuryalsoemphasisesthesettingofGloucesterDocks,withitsattractivelightingandwaterways,askeyfactorsthathelpedhimdecideonalocation.

YetforallthepraisethereisahealthycourseofrealismonGloucester’sbusinessmenu.AsTallett-Williamsputsit:“Thisisagoodlocationwithmanygoodcommunicationslinks.However,bothroadandraillinkstoLondonneedtobeimproved....Gloucesterhasthepotentialtobeperformingbetterbutjustneedsthecatalysttobeabletofulfilitspotential.”

That’soneofmanytaskssetbeforeGloucesterHeritageurbanregenerationCompany(GHurC),aspartofitsplanstocomplete£1billionofprivatesectorinvestmentandcreate2,000newjobsby2016.GHurChasdivideditsmaintargetsintoa“magnificentseven”:GreaterBlackfriars,GloucesterDocks,theCanalCorridor,GloucesterQuays,KingsQuarter,GreyfriarsandtherailwayTriangle.

Commentingonthisambitiousprogramme,simpsonsays:“I’dliketoseeallofthemagnificentsevenprojectsproceedand,whileitmighttakelongerthanoriginallyplanned,Ifirmlybelievethat[GHurCchief

executive]ChrisOldershawandhisteamwilldeliver.suchanachievementwouldmakeahugedifferencetoGloucesterintermsofnotonlyhowthecityisseenbyothersbutalsohowitseesitself.”

“Ithinkweareatacriticalpoint,”addsTallett-Williams.“Therehasbeengoodprogressandthereisthepotentialforalotmore.Thereisaclearplanandcommonunderstandingofwhattheobjectivesareandsomeofthefirstprojectsarenearingcompletion.ThingslikeGloucestershireCollegeandtheDesignerOutletCentrespringtomind.However,thecreditcrunchwillmakeithardertodeliversomeelementsintheshortterm.Wewillpersevereuntilalloftheprojectsthatmakeupthemagnificentsevenarecompleted.”

WHILeTHeBusInessCOmmunITYIsAWAreTHATtherecessionwillslowtheregenerationprogramme–andithasalreadydelayedecclesiasticalInsurance’splanstorelocatetonewofficesatGloucesterDocks–itisalsoclearthatthecurrenteconomicclimatemakesregenerationallthemoreimportant.“ItiscriticalforGloucester’sfuture,”sayssimpson.“Weneedtostrengthenourbusinesscommunity,andtheonlywaywecandothisisthroughsuccessfulregeneration.”

Andheadwayhasalreadybeenmade:stOswald’sretailParkwasopenedinseptember2005bydeveloperHammerson,withthefirstphaseamixtureofleisureandretailandanextensionisnowplanned.Landnexttotheparkhasbeensoldforthedevelopmentof450residentialunitsanda150-unit‘urbancarevillage’.Thefinalphasewillincludeafoodstoreandfurtherresidentialdevelopment,withaplanningapplicationtobesubmittedduring2009.

DevelopmentssuchasthishavereassuredpeopleinGloucesterthatschemes,oncebuilt,willlast.AsTallett-Williamsconcludes:“Lookingback,itiseasytoseethatsomethingscouldhavebeendonebetterandtherehavebeenanumberoffalsestarts.Thistime,wehavetomakesureallthecommunitiesthatmakeupGloucesterareinvolvedandcontributetothesolution.Wehavetobeclearonwhatwewantandnotjustcopythelatestfashion.Gloucesterhasagreatheritagethatwehavearesponsibilitytoprotect,butalsotobuildonandinterpretinawaythatworksinthe21stcentury.Aboveall,wehavetoinsistonaqualitythatwewillbeproudtoleaveasourheritage.”77 77

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«Previous page: The dockside setting convinced a local restaurateur that this was the location for his business.

»Opposite page top: St Oswald’s Retail Park opened in 2005 and there are plans in place for further expansion.

Gloucester is a great place to live and work at the moment. it is a city on the up with bags of potential


Gloucester business case study: T NielseN aNd CompaNy

2006 was a great year for Gloucester Docks and for local ship restorer Tommi Nielsen. Filming of the adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s The Hog Father and of Hollywood movie Amazing Grace brought star-studded casts and production crews to the docks – and to Nielsen.

Film originally brought Nielsen and his partner Sarah White, both former sailors, to Gloucester from Denmark in 1985. “We first came to the city in a big tall ship to do a Victorian film in the docks,” says Nielsen. The couple fell in love with the city and decided to stay, establishing their own ship restoration firm T Nielsen and Company, in Gloucester in 1988. “We are happy here. We got to know the people and the dry docks, which are excellent facilities for us to work in. My partners and I wouldn’t have found these facilities elsewhere.”

Nielsen says the company is now the world’s leading specialist in repairing, restoring and building traditional ships and in rigging tall ships. It has up to 40 vessels passing through the yard each year, while as many as 50 people are employed at a time.

“The biggest job we had was HMS Gannet. Last month when the Prime Minster went to America to see President Obama he took a paperweight made out of timber from HMS Gannet. It is the sister ship of HMS Resolute, the timber of which the President’s desk in the Oval office is constructed from.”«Left: A tall ship in Gloucester’s dry dock.


BACKPAGE/Facts and figures

Average gross weekly earnings:Gloucester: £468 UK: £457

Gloucester’s economy was worth £11.3 billion in 2005, in terms of gross value added Source: Economy of Gloucester Report 2008

Train Times from GloucesTer:London 1hr 50Birmingham 1hrCardiff 1hr 10Manchester 2hr 40Birmingham airport 1hr 30Bristol airport 1hr 40

Gloucester attracts 5.9 million visitor trips each year with annual visitor

spend of £207 millionSource: Gloucester City Council 2008

5.9Population of Gloucester: 109,885

Population of Gloucestershire: 564,559Source: 2001 census

109,885

Gloucester’s employment rate 2008 = 82.8% National employment rate 2008 = 74.5%

Source: Centre for Cities 2009

82.8%

Gloucester facts and figures

Around 8.4 million people live within 90 minutes’ drive of Gloucester

8,400,000

£1 billion: the projected value of Gloucester’s regeneration activities

Number of students

University of Gloucestershire: 9,200

Gloucestershire College: 6,000

House prices in GloucesterDetached: £277,823Semi-detached: £153,052Terraced: £128,168Maisonette/flat: £110,225Average: £165,089Source: Land Registry 2009

of working residents travel less than 5km to work

number of workinG residenTs Gloucester: 52,525

55%

Employment sectors in

Gloucester

16%

38%

7%

10%

11%

18%

manufacturingwholesale and

retail trade

other

Health and social work

real estate

construction

gloucester7regeneration and investm

ent magazine



7

Are you helping to transform Gloucester?

Make sure everyone knows.

Use Gloucester7 magazine to promote your company and its work to more than 35,000 regeneration professionals.

Contact Lee Harrison 020 7978 6840.

A £400 million long term regeneration project

Gloucester Docks will be transformed into a place full of activity, style and culture

Phase one of the Designer Outlet opened May 2009

Forty stores in the first phase with another sixteen to follow shortly and up to 80 stores in total

A mixture of high street names and designer brands at up to 60% off Recommended Retail Price

Bringing late night shopping and a night time economy to Gloucester for the first time

Already attracting visitors from outside of the area

Up to 6 million additional visitors per year will come to Gloucester because of Gloucester Quays

Other attractions will include more new stores, an additional hotel, waterside bars and restaurants, offices, homes and a marina

www.gloucesterquays.co.uk

Designer Outlet

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