Plans for a £200m waterfront scheme on 60 acres (25ha) of land straddling the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal have been unveiled by British Waterways and Peel Developments.
Backed by South West Regional Development Agency, the Gloucester Quays project includes a college campus, a factory outlet shopping complex and 1,000 homes.
There are also plans for restaurants and bars, a 90-bedroom hotel, offices and a new canal bridge.
British Waterways and Peel have submitted a joint outline planning application for the Baker’s Quay, Llanthony Wharf and Monk Meadow areas of the town.
Robin Evans, British Waterways’ commercial director, said: “This development will create a vibrant new quarter for the people of Gloucester to enjoy – bringing new jobs, homes, business opportunities and leisure facilities for everybody – and in an amazing setting too.”
John Whittaker, chairman of Peel Holdings, the parent company of Peel Developments, added: “Peel has a proven track record of major regeneration projects and canalside developments and Gloucester Quays represents not just another exciting opportunity but is our flagship redevelopment scheme.”
Gloucester council earmarked the site for regeneration more than 10 years ago but uncertainty about funding of the road infrastructure has proved an ongoing obstacle.
The site contains a string of 19th and 20th century dockside industrial storage buildings, many of which are now derelict..
Kevin Stephens, leader of Gloucester council, said: “This is an exciting development for the docks area and wonderful news for Gloucester.”
Businesses currently on the site will be offered relocation assistance, he added.
EGi News 04/04/02
