Masterplan aims to reimagine historic city centre

2 December 2025

Duncan CookGloucester

News image — The new plan will include a detailed analysis of the city's strengths and challenges

BBC A photo showing a street in Gloucester with shops on either side and bunting stretching across from the buildings. In the background is Gloucester Cathedral — The new plan will include a detailed analysis of the city's strengths and challenges

A masterplan is being created to help bring investment and regeneration to a city centre over the next two decades.

Gloucester City Council has appointed a leading urban design company to come up with a blueprint that will re imagine how the city will look.

The last city-wide masterplan was 20 years ago and delivered improvements to the docks and the quays.

Andrew Hearne, Gloucester City Council's Head of Place, said: "This masterplan will give us a clear road map for growth and regeneration, ensuring the city thrives for generations to come."

A photo showing Westgate Street in Gloucester. The street is cobbled with shop fronts on either side and shopping shown walking along — The masterplan is the first in the city for 20 years

The plan will be created by consultants Prior and Partners, who have been involved in regeneration projects in Birmingham and Southampton and is funded by the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Elise Baudon, master-planning director at Prior and Partners, said: "City centres need to work harder than ever in the 21st century, as places to live, work, gather and experience.

"Gloucester has a historic and strong foundation to build on, and this masterplan is a chance to refocus the city centre so it can meet the needs of a changing population and economy," she added.

"We're looking forward to working with the council and local communities to help shape a clear, achievable direction for its next chapter."

A photo of Gloucester City Council leader Jeremy Hilton standing in front of Gloucester Cathedral. He has grey hair and is wearing glasses, a striped shirt and a dark jacket — Jeremy Hilton wants to create a thriving city centre that works for everyone

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester City Council, said the masterplan is about "creating a thriving city centre that works for everyone", while celebrating Gloucester's "unique heritage and future potential".

"We'll be looking at the city as a whole, including lower Eastgate Street area and Northgate Street, which we realise need particular attention," he added.

The new plan will include a detailed analysis of the city's strengths and challenges, compare Gloucester with similar cities to identify opportunities, as well as setting out what Gloucester should look like in 15–20 years.

The masterplan will be published in the new year, providing clear steps to turn the vision into reality.

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