GLOUCESTER | Full Summary of Projects

[gntzpope]

Another step in the right direction for this long overdue re-development.

See TIG link below:

http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co....l/article.html

Also, read that a further three restaurants/bars are planned to open in March. One of them is the known and award winning Kinnaree Thai with additional Cocktail and Noodle bars ;o)

[pharmj]

Excellent news gntzpope, thanks for that. I am curious what the other restaurants will be. I have heard rumours of TGI fridays and another Prezzo (seems odd as they just did up the Southgate restaurant).

**In other tit-bits, the Clutch Clinic site is due to come down any day now in readiness for the Language immersion centre. This is a nationally recognised centre that will be used heavily by schools, colleges and GCHQ (as well as working well having Nato Rapid Reaction Corps in Glos now), which is valued at £7million. Hoped to be open mid 2011.

**Public realm work continues apace, with Brittania currently repaving the section behind the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum. A new entrance to the Southgate car park has been created while the work continues along the back of the Victoria Basin. A contractor has been appointed (Balfour Beatty) for the Kimbrose Triange section (along with the spire artwork) and this is all expected to be finished by November 2010, massively improving the 6minute walk between the city centre and the Quays.

The masterplan for Greyfriars has been pretty much completed, with some minor adjustments to the original plans such as paths and layout. There has been a small campaign to save a tree in the centre, though personally i doubt many people even knew it was there.



Image copyright of Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company

[gntzpope]

Originally Posted by davejack82

the vacant shop between Head Kandy and Cafe Tucci in the Barge Arm East has two signs in the window, applications for an alcohol license.. looks like a cafe/bar may be on it's way meaning all four units will be full..
Also the vacant Woolworths store had a couple of men inside it today didn't look like they were doing much but could be a sign this is moving forward...

Looks like its called 'Caffe Corretto'. Were just awaiting the name of the regional operator reported to have taken the Shipton Square unit.

[gntzpope]

Direct from Glos County Council

Gloucester Quays City Centre Linkages Route 1.


Position Statement.

1st February 2010.

The linkages scheme is now poised to commence.

The site offices are due to arrive on 11th February and there will be a presence on site from that date.

Advance signage will be erected from 18th February onward.

The actual works will commence on 24th February.

The Contractor Balfour Beatty will be delivering letters to all local retailers with a questionnaire requesting information such as opening hours and delivery times so that they can coordinate the work around individual businesses. A copy of the letter is attached for information.

Works will commence on 24th February at Ladybellegate Street under temporary traffic signals.

This will be closely followed by the closure of Southgate Street between Longsmith Street and Commercial Road. Traffic will continue round the Triangle during this period.

Park and Ride bus stops will be transferred to Ladybellegate Street.

Kimbrose Way closure will be delayed until Mid April as the Contractor will work in the area with single file traffic.

When Kimbrose Way is closed, the scheduled bus service will turn right into Parliament Street and the Southgate bus stop will be moved into Parliament Street on a permanent basis. Park and Ride Northbound will be diverted on a route yet to be agreed.

It is hoped that Kimbrose Way will reopen to two way traffic toward the end of June and the southbound route round the triangle will be closed.

[pharmj]

This area of the city should be fantastically improved once this work is completed. Just a shame that the Ecclesiastical buillding wont now be part of the site. I wonder if they have anything else in mind for the Southgate car park. I dont really see the use of it now that the Quays car park is open...espcially if the council are trying to reduce traffic down Southgate Street

[gntzpope]

3rd February 2010
City linkages scheme gets underway
Work is about to start on the next stage of the £7million Gloucester Linkages project.
Contractors Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering will move onto the site during week commencing February 15th in preparation for work beginning on February 24th.
The project will connect Gloucester city centre with the historic docks and the Gloucester Quays development.
It will improve walking and cycling routes between the two areas and will better direct traffic around the city.
Gloucestershire County Council is responsible for £2.1 million worth of improvements along the Kimbrose Triangle and Southgate Street section.
The council’s project will involve laying high quality paving between the County Court at Kimbrose Triangle and the existing pedestrianised section of Southgate Street at its junction with Longsmith Street.
At Kimbrose Way a public square is to be introduced which vehicles will be permitted to pass through under a shared space concept where drivers will be expected to give way to pedestrians.
Southgate Street from Kimbrose Triangle up to Longsmith Street will become a pedestrianised area, but Park & Ride buses will continue to operate here.
In order for the structural changes to take place, temporary traffic management will need to be in place while the work is carried out.
When the work starts on February 24th, the first operation will be to make Ladybellegate Street two-way in order to permit deliveries to Southgate Street when the lower part of Southgate Street is closed. Temporary traffic signals will be used during construction.
The priority on Longsmith Street will be changed to one way in the direction of Southgate Street to facilitate deliveries.
This will be closely followed by the closure of Southgate Street between Longsmith Street and Commercial Road.
Park and Ride bus stops will be transferred to Ladybellegate Street and traffic will continue round Kimbrose Triangle during this period.
Kimbrose Way closure will now be delayed to mid-April as the contractor will work in the area with single file traffic.
When Kimbrose Way is closed, the scheduled bus service will turn right into Parliament Street and the Southgate bus stop will be moved into Parliament Street on a permanent basis.
Park and Ride northbound will be diverted on a route yet to be agreed.
It is hoped that Kimbrose Way will reopen to two-way traffic toward the end of June and the southbound route round the triangle will be closed.
Work is expected to finish in November 2010.
Cllr Mark Hawthorne, cabinet member for planning and regeneration, said: “This is a major project for Gloucester and one that will transform the transport links near the historic docks.
“Gloucestershire County Council is committed to doing all it can to aid the regeneration of Gloucester and this scheme forms an integral part of our plans.
“There is a considerable amount of work to be done here and I know this will cause some traffic disruption, but please be assured we will do all we can to keep this to a minimum.
“I would ask people to be patient while the work is carried out and to keep in mind what a boost to the city it will be when it is finished.”
Cllr Jeremy Hilton, county councillor for Westgate, said: “The Gloucester Quays Linkages project will considerably boost the quality of the public realm between Gloucester Quays and the City Centre.
“During the construction period there will inevitably be frustration about the affect the works will have on businesses in Southgate Street and Kimbrose Triangle.
“However, the end result will be a superb improvement to this part of the city once it is finished. I hope our contractors can do the work with minimal disruption to businesses trading in the area.
“The end result will make many people proud of our city.”
Cllr Pam Tracey, county councillor for Westgate, said: “I am very excited to see this work starting.
“Anything that helps attract people back into the city, particularly during the nights, is a bonus and I hope that when they look at the next stages, parking provision is a key point.”
Councillor Paul James, Leader of Gloucester City Council, added: "This is another real and very visible addition to the regeneration of Gloucester that is turning us into a modern 21st century city.
“These improvements will bring undoubted benefits and we all look forward to seeing them completed."
Chris Foley, Head of Regeneration, South West Regional Development Agency (RDA) said: “It’s great news work is starting on this really important part of Gloucester’s regeneration.
“A safe, attractive walking and cycling route between the newly developed docks and the city centre will encourage visitors to head into town from the newly developed Gloucester Quays.
“This will ensure businesses across the city share in the success of the area, which is enjoying a huge increase in visitor numbers since the opening of the new retail outlet.”
Chris Oldershaw, Chief Executive of Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company (GHURC), said: “This work will ensure that the retailers within the City Centre benefit from the regeneration within the Docks and Quays by improving the road and pedestrian links between them.”
Notes to Editors
The Linkages is a joint scheme between Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company (GHURC), Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucester City Council and the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA). The South West RDA recently announced £7million funding for the entire scheme.
CONTACT
Issued by Gloucestershire County Council's media team 01452 425226 lisa.bonnell@gloucestershire.gov.uk

[pharmj]

Some more good news for Gloucester and in particular, it's patients...

A new county hospital car park will cost £9 million.

Vinci Park, the specialist parking operator, is investing the cash in designing, building and managing the multi-storey parking area for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The 1,000 space car park will be built at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital with a further 400-space multi-storey on the cards for Cheltenham General Hospital. This is subject to planning permission.

Following development of the car parks, Vinci Park will manage both sites for the next 30 years.

Building work on the Gloucester site will begin in April.

Vinci Park says the design will include a series of timber louvre panels, rotated to create a wave effect.

This is engineered to prevent car headlights from being seen in nearby properties, while also providing natural ventilation, light and surveillance.

New pay-on-foot machines for visitors are to be installed, as well as a smart card system for hospital staff.

In addition, a number plate recognition system will be installed to enable the staff to pay as they go.

If planning permission is granted, a 400-space car park will be built at the Cheltenham hospital, seeing Vinci Park’s investment in the Trust rise to £15m.

Mark Evans, Vinci Park’s chief executive officer, said: “We are delighted to announce this partnership with Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

“It is an exciting project which has taken three years to design and conclude.”

Hospital Trust director for property and medical engineering, Graham Marsh, said: “This facility will centralise car parking on the hospital site, improving access for patients, visitors and staff.”

Vinci Park has a workforce of 610 employees, across 50 contracts throughout the UK, managing more than 400 car parks and more than 100,000 parking spaces – both on and off-street.

Sounds like an interesting design. I am trying to figure out where this is going. The only place i can think of is next to those flats where the hard-standing car parking is already.

[pharmj]

In other news...the first phase of the Bakers Quay redevelopment, valued at £7million got full approval with unanimous backing for the proposal. It will see a leisure quarter be created from the former High Orchard cottages as well as the renewal of former industrial buildings and demolition of modern additions.

Later phases are thought to include renewal of the building right next to High Orchard Bridge and a new build phase centred on a new square mainly for the residential market. It would be wise to assume the Bishops would wait until the housing market picks up before proposing this phase.

Hopefully bringing the development closer to the Peel Centre will kick start the renewal and redevelopment of the Cineworld and the extra bars and restaurants at that end.

[LozGloz]

FYI in case you miss it! Thank goodness, its was looking a mess. Hopefully this plus the (presumed) new hotel will help this are a lot.

"EYESORE buildings in Barnwood look set for a clean up as part of a bid to build 14 new homes in the area.
Newland Homes has bought 1.5 acres of land off Barnwood Road from previous owners Morston Assets.
The sale is the first step in a bid to develop the land and revamp two existing buildings, including the former post office.
Andrew Billings, Land Manager for the Cheltenham-based firm, said: "We are planning to refurbish the existing house next to the old post office.
"If it is economically viable, we will return the old post office building to its former use as offices of some sort.
"We do have outline planning permission to build 14 homes in total across the entire site, but we would prefer, if we can, to retain the two existing buildings."
He added: "We will be putting in a planning application in the next two months.
"We will also be carrying out neighbour consultations over the next couple of months."
Gloucestershire County and Gloucester City Councillor Phil McLellan (Lib Dem, Barnwood), who has been campaigning to have the former post office building improved for some time said people would be glad the deal had been struck. He said: "I think this will be welcomed by residents, particularly as the access is not going to be off Barnwood Road.
"With the two buildings being refurbished there shouldn't be too much disruption for the residents of Hazel Court next door and hopefully they can have quiet and more peaceful lives."
The news comes after The Citizen reported the two buildings had become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and drug use last year.
Morston Assets Chief Executive David Dodge said they were pleased the negotiations had been concluded.
"The site has, unfortunately, been empty for longer than we anticipated and we hope that planning consent is granted soon so that work can begin on restoring the former Post Office and the new homes," he said."

[pharmj]

Thanks for that LOzGloz, i am glad that building is getting sorted, it has become a real eyesore and a bad entrance to Barnwood.

Some news below on the expansion of Tesco in Quedgeley. I believe that Tesco Brockworth is also being expanded, anyone seen this?

Work to expand the Tesco supermarket in Quedgeley has started this week.

The changes will see the store increase in size by around 50 per cent, the car park increase from 405 to 563 spaces, and a new road layout created.

Six new non-food retail outlets will be built as part of the scheme.

The proposals were granted planning permission in 2008, but work has been on hold until now.

There will be two access points for motorists, one from the existing entrance on the Bristol Road, and a new one will be created from Severnvale Drive.

A roundabout will be constructed on the road to create the second access to the supermarket.

A spokesman for Tesco said: “We are pleased that the expansion is going ahead, and we will be able to give more details of the changes as time goes ahead.”

Signs erected around the store’s perimeter are warning customers of some disruption while the work is undertaken.

Councillor Jackie Hall, who represents the area on Gloucester City Council, said: “It is good news that Tesco has recognised the need for expansion.

“The population of the area has grown significantly in recent years, and a larger store is needed.

“I do hope that they will put in some safety measures in the car park, at the moment it is full of vehicles and pedestrians trying to avoid one another.

“I hope that these changes can address that situation.”

Councillor Anna Mozol, who sits on Quedgeley Parish Council, said she would have preferred to see a new store rather than a larger Tesco.

She said: “We have said this is going to cause traffic chaos in the area, they are building a new roundabout just a few hundred yards from an existing one, and traffic is just going to back up.

“Sadly, we have raised this issue on many occasions, but no one seems to have done anything about it.

“I know a lot of residents in the area will not be happy about this, and will continue to travel further afield to do their shopping.”

The alterations to the road layouts have been approved by Gloucestershire County Council’s Highways department.

Also, the Blackfriars Language centre has had its full approval for funding, opening the way for construction to start any time soon. Its due to be open by 2011, so construction would have to be soon!

[gemmyjam]

Does anyone know when Kinnaree is due to open at the docks?

[pharmj]

welcome gemmy jam, and no, nothing on that yet! Units are still boarded off but little sign of activity in there.

Some little bits of news...
*Tower crane has been erected in Barnwood at the site for the new IBIS hotel just off the Wall's Roundabout.

*Tescos expansion on all fronts in Gloucester is going apace. Their store in Quedgley has some of the front roofing panels off already, and the Brockworth store has had the side of it pulled down ready to attatch the extention on.

*Lots of scaffolding has gone up on the former music shop/Cargo store on Southgate street. The back of the building has actually been pulled down allowing the rebuilding and subsequent conversion into flats.

*Trees have been cutdown and the stairs linking Kimbrose Triangle to the docks have all been ripped out. The public realm works behind Soldiers of Gloucester are also still going, with them laying new concrete to level out the quayside. Completion of this is due in November, as part of the Quays Linkages project (est cost £7million).

[gntzpope]

From today's TIG:


THE former Merchants Quay shopping centre in Gloucester Docks is set to be demolished.
The centre will be replaced by a four-and-a-half storey warehouse-style building, containing 48 flats and about 5,500 square feet of shopping and leisure facilities on the ground floor.
Work could begin on the project as early as this week.
The former shopping centre closed in 2007, and the building has stood empty ever since.
Original plans were turned down 18 months ago, after being dismissed as adding little to the character of the Docks.
Since then, the Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company's (GHURC) has worked closely with developers Crest Nicholson and its architects Stride Treglown to improve the plans.
The final design is described as "a contemporary building which sits comfortably within the unique setting of Gloucester Docks".
Antonia Shield, GHURC director and chairman of its design review panel, welcomed the news work was about to begin on the site.
She said: "It is extremely exciting that this scheme is now being started at such an economically-challenging time for the country.
"This is clear evidence of the strength of confidence that outside and private investors have in the city of Gloucester."
She added: "Crest Nicholson must be congratulated for embracing the process which enabled us to discuss and ultimately assist with the design of a building which will have a long-lasting impact on its surrounding area."
Laura Osborne, sales manager for Crest Nicholson (South West), said: "We are very pleased to be able to move forward with the demolition of the building and the start of works to provide quality homes, and leisure and retail facilities.
"We hope to launch the Crest Nicholson Merchants Quay development later this year and look forward to providing this finishing touch to the Gloucester Docks area."
The South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) owns a significant part of Gloucester Docks.
Chris Foley, head of regeneration at the SWRDA, said: "The South West RDA has invested more than £11 million in the regeneration of Gloucester city centre, because we believe this historic city has real economic potential. "Demolishing the Merchants Quay building will make way for an exciting, contemporary building that mixes homes with retail and business space.
"It will be a fitting addition to the already flourishing dockside area."
Planner say the new building will be built using quality, sustainable materials without detracting from the special environment created by neighbouring Docks buildings.
The existing two-storey retail building, next to Phillpotts Warehouse

[davejack82]

great news, has anyone seen the designs for the new building?

[atters72]

there's a photo of it on the tig website . Mentions a gym and salon being lined up to go in there .

[pharmj]

Plans have been approved to build a new £4.5million Coroners Court in Gloucester, just off Corinium Avenue (Wall's Roundabout end).

Press Release: Gloucestershire County Council:

Gloucestershire County Council’s Cabinet has approved plans to build a purpose built mortuary and Coroners Court.

The preferred site for the proposed £4.5million structure is on land off the Walls Roundabout in Corinium Avenue, Gloucester and would serve the whole county.

At the moment, the council leases mortuary and post mortem facilities owned by the NHS, but they are outdated and no longer fit for the Coroner’s needs.

The council has worked closely with the NHS and this agreement will come to an end in April 2011.

The existing mortuary’s viewing facilities are very poor and not appropriate for the bereaved that come to view the bodies of their deceased relatives or friends.

The new building would be aimed at making this difficult experience as comfortable and dignified as possible.

As well as the mortuary and post mortem area, a new Coroner’s Court would be installed to hold inquests all on one site.

The project is also more efficient as in the long term it will save at least £350,000 per year which will be used to cover operating costs.

Annually there are about 2,000 deaths reported to Gloucestershire’s Coroner and around 1,250 post mortem examinations.

There are also approximately 325 inquests each year which take place in a Coroner’s court.

On 29th September 2009, Cabinet approved a report, which gives the go ahead to the plans and agrees the purchasing of land.

The new building, which will be called a Coroners Court Complex would include:
• Storage for 60 bodies
• Pathology facilities including space for five post-mortem tables
• Staff area
• Body viewing facilities for relatives
• Office accommodation for the staff in the Coroner’s office and the mortuary staff
• A court which provides adequate facilities to hear inquests without the need to hire expensive accommodation from private hotels.
Cllr Will Windsor Clive, cabinet member for Community Safety, said: “This is about improving the service we provide for the people of Gloucestershire.

“Losing a loved one is already a difficult enough experience and we want to do all we can to make things more comfortable and more dignified for people in their time of need.

“The current facility is just not up to standard any longer and we need to do something about that.

“We want to see a modern, well equipped and better designed facility, which will also save money in the long run, and this project will deliver just that.”

[pharmj]

Linkages work has started properly now, with the roadworks kicking off this week. Given the way traffic is normally around there, might be worth avoiding for a while until the new system is up and running!

Also, Merchants Quay is being demolished in 2 weeks time, with the hope of construction of the new buildings towards the end of the year. Good ridance for an awkward eyesore!

[pharmj]

I cant go to this, but thought i'd add it on here if someone wanted to have a look...

On behalf of Gloucestershire County Council and Tom Price (appointed artist), who are working in partnership with the Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company, I am very pleased to inform you of the forthcoming public event to invite your views on the proposals for public art at Kimbrose Square and Southgate Street.



This event will take place at Brunswick Baptist Church, Southgate Street, Gloucester on Tuesday 30th March 2010 at 6.30 p.m.



Tom Price will present his proposals and invite comments and views on certain aspects of the scheme.



We hope that you are able to attend and look forward to receiving your views.

[LozGloz]

any one heard anything:

Kings Quater?
Quays next phases?

[pharmj]

Very flash new tourist information site has been put up by Marketing Gloucester. Really shows off the city very well..

http://www.thecityofgloucester.co.uk/