Facade of £107m city development revealed

Carmelo GarciaLocal Democracy Reporting Service
News imageGloucester City Council A picture taken from the street of two new buildings. They are both several stories tall and built with distinctive red panelling and curved shapes. Gloucester City Council
The £107m development is expected to be completed later this year

The facade of a £107m city centre development has been revealed in a series of new pictures.

The images of The Forum project in Gloucester reveal the vibrant red fronts of two buildings, inspired by the cloisters at nearby Gloucester Cathedral.

Until recently the buildings were obscured by scaffolding, but the development has now been revealed as it approaches its expected completion later this year.

Gloucester City Council leader Jeremy Hilton said it was "very exciting" to see the progression of the city's huge new quarter.

News imageGloucester City Council The top two stories of the development, showcasing the red panelling and curved frontage. Gloucester City Council
The new buildings will hold office space and apartments
News imageGloucester City Council The side of one of the buildings, taken from street level. Large trees are in front of part of the development, with a crane overhead. Gloucester City Council
It will also be home to a boutique hotel with a rooftop bar

The Kings Quarter development, which is being driven by the council in partnership with developer Reef Group, will offer office space, residential apartments, retail space, restaurants and a boutique hotel with a rooftop bar, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The distinctive red facades revealed in the new pictures show One Cathedral View and Two Cathedral View, with the design of the 1,324 aluminium and glass panels is intended to be both contemporary and show respect for the city’s architectural heritage.

News imageGloucester City Council The side of the development, clearly showing the bright red panelling and the intricate red detailing over part of the windows. Gloucester City Council
The project's design was inspired by the cloisters at the nearby cathedral

The building also features an innovative media facade, a 17-metre high and nine-metre wide LED lighting system, integrated into the walls of The Forum. It will blend into the design of the building during the day but will be animated during the evening.

Mr Hilton said: "The development is now nearing completion, and the site will come to life later this year as companies move in and the public can walk through a new city centre street.

“Together with the University City Campus opening for students, 2025 promises to be a great year for Kings Quarter.

"Gloucester has massive potential and we are committed to making the most of the huge investment into the city that this project will provide. We are ambitious for Gloucester, there is plenty still to do.”

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.

Related internet links