Growing occupier interest in Gloucester's Forum development

Developers leading Gloucester’s city centre regeneration at The Forum say that almost three quarters of available space has already been taken.

The Forum will be completed and open for occupiers in 2024, and the year has started positively in terms of interest expressed in remaining available space, according to developer Reef Group’s development director Peter Langly Smith.

Across the various uses including a four star hotel, offices, retail and café spaces, fitness space and car parking, around 70 per cent of the space is already taken up. And Reef, which is bringing forward the development with partner Gloucester City Council, expects to confirm more deals soon.  

“It’s an incredibly positive start to an important year for The Forum,” said Mr Langly-Smith. 

“Companies have committed to being part of The Forum before construction completion. This is testament to the quality of this future-ready place and demonstrates the confidence these parties have in Gloucester’s future as an exceptional place to work, live and visit.

“With our partners at the city council, our commitment to sustainability and low occupational costs has encouraged early agreements and driven high levels of tenant interest. The Forum will offer cost savings for fit out and running costs for tenants, achieved via market leading design. We understand that the way we work has changed since the pandemic, and The Forum provides high quality space that speaks to innovative businesses and projects. 

“The year has started with a high number of enquires, which have quickly progressed to detailed and advanced negotiations for the space. We hope to be able to make some further announcements in the coming months”.

To date, the space already taken on The Forum includes: Hotel Indigo, IHG Hotels: The upscale brand hotel will open as a 131-bedroom boutique hotel, including a restaurant, conferencing facilities and a glamourous roof top cocktail bar. Also opening will be a new Tesco Express and a 398-space car park.

There will also be 19 apartments, of which only one remains available to buy.

Gloucester City Council leader councillor Richard Cook added: “The huge investment into Gloucester’s city centre is setting the city in good stead for a bright future. To see such confidence from businesses in The Forum before construction completes is most welcome. 

“As we move towards a Gloucester that is focusing on leisure and business excellence, we are thrilled that The Forum is paving the way for its future, with appropriate office space to put Gloucester on the map.”

The Forum will offer space for businesses.

The building is part of Gloucester’s ongoing £200 million regeneration, which includes the University of Gloucestershire’s City Campus development on Kings Square and Kings Square itself. 

READ MORE: New images released from Uni of Gloucestershire City Campus development

Bruton Knowles and JLL are the letting agents for the office space.

Dorian Wragg, a partner at Burton Knowles, said: “The office elements of the scheme, 1 and 2 Cathedral Walk are flying up. Now the distinctive external cladding is being installed and the shape of the buildings is much easier to see, we are getting lots of calls about the availability of desk space. We hope to announce a significant letting shortly.