City centre's £13.8m revamp set to begin

A major £13.8m redevelopment is set to begin in the new year - despite the council facing bankruptcy.

Gloucester City Council's cabinet members will vote later on releasing £4m to start phase one of the Greyfriars Quarter, which will see Eastgate Market relocated to Bell Walk.

Under the wider scheme, a new market and food hall will also be created, as well as a park and gardens, all set within the grounds of the 13th Century Greyfriars monastery.

Andy Hearne, the council's head of place, said: "Moving the market will also unlock the old market hall for its exciting next chapter as a cultural and entertainment hub."

It comes as the council is expected to ask the government for a bailout loan of between £12.5 and £17.5m this week to cover a £7.8m overspend.

The authority is also planning to rollout a number of cuts to avoid effectively being made bankrupt.

But the Greyfriars Quarter is largely being funded by £11m of Government Levelling Up money confirmed last year and supported by funds already allocated in the council's capital budget.

Council leaders previously confirmed they were replacing the market hall and a disused section of Eastgate Shopping Centre with a new marketplace featuring a 450-seat cultural venue.

The market's relocation is scheduled to be completed by spring.

Mr Hearne added: "Our priority is to relocate Eastgate Market to Bell Walk, ensuring continuity for existing traders while creating a refreshed market space that improves the overall offer and makes it a vibrant, attractive place to visit."

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, council leader, said it would "boost trade for all our local shops and businesses".

The council will consult traders, stakeholders and the public before submitting final plans.

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