Latest images reveal how Gloucester’s biggest city centre open space could look

New images revealed by Gloucester City Council show how Kings Square in Gloucester could look if plans for a multi-million pound regeneration of the area gets the go ahead.

The computer generated images show how the square, which has undergone a long history of failed regeneration projects, could become a focal point for visitors to the city and people who live and work in the area.

Spaces for markets, outdoor dining, a temporary stage, outdoor cinema and other leisure uses are proposed to breathe new life into the area. New feature fountains - inspired by the Severn Bore – are proposed to create a new landmark for Kings Square.

The images show how the space could be used during the day and night, with cultural activities, live performances and pop up markets.

Leader of Gloucester City Council, Paul James said: “Kings Square is the city centre’s largest public open space and will become a focal point for businesses, residents and visitors. These new images illustrate our vision for the transformation of this part of Gloucester city centre into a destination and flexible event space.

“These plans support our aspirations to attract new investment in the city to improve the experience for people to visit, shop and work. By proposing a mix of uses in the square, Gloucester will continue to succeed as times and habits change.

“There is now real momentum behind the entire Kings Quarter regeneration project and with some work already beginning we are on the cusp of realising this vision and bringing the images to life.”

Plans have been submitted by Gloucester City Council to support the next stage of Gloucester’s Kings Quarter transformation, featuring proposals for new homes, office space, restaurants and shared workspace in the heart of the city. If approved, the plans will see a number of buildings in the city centre replaced with 150 homes (including homes for key workers in the city), 40,000 square feet of office space and new shops, bars and eateries.

Other images show the carefully considered lighting designed by multi award-winning Michael Grubb Studio, the creative vision behind high profile projects such as the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Gardens of Light Festival and Twickenham Stadium Gateways. The lighting will brighten the area and protect its newly welcoming atmosphere into the evening.

Michael Grubb, Creative Director at Michael Grubb Studios said: “We have thoroughly enjoyed the creative process and collaborating with Gloucester City Council and the rest of the design team. The end result is a unique lighting scheme that will transform the Square taking into account its history and providing an engaging & exciting experience by night.”

Novell Tullett has led the design of the Kings Square, supported by AHR and AECOM. The defining sculptural edge of the square has been designed by internationally renowned George King Architects (GKA) whose founder hails from Gloucester.

George King, Principal at GKA said: “We are very excited to be a part of such an important initiative for the city of Gloucester.

“The opportunity to be involved in the regeneration of the city in which I was born is truly unique and it has been a pleasure to be a member of the dedicated team bringing new life to Kings Square. We hope that our playful and contemporary design will re-energise the square and help it to once again become a proud focal point for the local community as well as an attraction for visitors from near and far for many years to come.”

The transformation of the area is part of the wider Kings Quarter redevelopment project which will also see the renovation of the area’s shopping centre, King’s Walk.

Work has already started on this revitalisation of the city centre with the opening of the new bus station and demolition of the former bus station, a series of exploratory preparatory works in Kings Square undertaken since the summer and continued improvements to King’s Walk car park.