Former city council offices at Gloucester Docks set to be sold

Three empty warehouses at Gloucester docks, which had been previously used by the city council, are poised to be approved to be sold, it has been reported.

The well-known Herbert, Kimberley and Philpott (HKP) buildings at the docks were vacated by the council back in 2019.

READ MORE: Gloucester Food Dock reveals first businesses to join the site

Now councillors are set to give the go-ahead next week for council chiefs to continue negotiations with interested parties and accept an offer for the leases at HKP.

The Gloucester News Centre website reported that Hannah Norman, the deputy leader and performances and resources cabinet member at the city council had said: "The council has a long-term aspiration to dispose of the HKP Warehouses, which used to be the council offices.

"The redevelopment of these warehouses, along with the opening of the Food Dock, will be another important step towards the complete regeneration of the docks area of the city."

A council report reportedly recommends that the most viable and deliverable bid has been made by so-called "developer C".

"Developer C has submitted a scheme that accords with the council’s aspirations, is in accordance with independent advice and has the lowest risk profile in the present market conditions," the report reportedly said.

"The developer has an excellent local track record for delivery and this bid should result in the necessary funds being paid to the council earlier than any other bid," the report added.

The previous preferred bidder’s plans for HKP had reportedly included a hotel opening on site. However, after a lengthy period of uncertainty, which included the onset of Covid-19, negotiations were finally brought to a close at the end of 2022.

Bruton Knowles was then reportedly instructed to remarket the premises with a wide use opportunity.

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