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£11.2 million for Gloucester city centre regeneration
22 October 2009
The regeneration of Gloucester city centre has been given a
major boost by the announcement of £11.2 million of investment by
the South West RDA (Regional Development Agency).
The 'Economic Linkages' project, which will receive £7 million,
will dramatically improve the public areas and streets between
Gloucester City centre and Gloucester Quays - the city's £400
million new retail outlet development - and is part of the RDA's
wider investment in the city as an area of significant economic
potential. The balance of £4.2 million will pay for the completion
of the Gloucester Docks Project.
The Linkages project represents the culmination of three years'
work by the RDA, Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company
(GHURC) and Gloucestershire County Council.
Despite significant budget cuts within the RDA earlier this
year, the Agency remains committed to helping Gloucester city
centre achieve its full economic potential.
Ian Knight, area director at the South West RDA, said:
"Gloucester has a smart, stylish and modern retail centre in
Gloucester Quays, where business is already flourishing, despite
the tough economic climate. We need to make sure Gloucester City
Centre can share in this success - and improving links between the
two areas is key.
"Attractive, well-lit streets will encourage people to wander
between the two areas, spending more time and money in the city.
Turning these streets from a run-down, little-visited area into a
vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare will also bring new businesses into
the area.
"The fact that this project has made it through a tough process
following substantial budget cuts at the RDA, shows the economic
significance of Gloucester's docks and city centre."
The work will be carried out in two sections - the RDA will
improve the Gloucester Docks section, and the County Council will
improve the Kimbrose Triangle/Southgate Street section, using RDA
funding alongside funding from the County and City Councils.
Work on the Docks section will start in November and be complete
by summer 2010. The Kimbrose/Southgate Street section will commence
early in 2010 and be complete by the end of next year.
The Gloucester Quays retail outlet opened in May and is expected
to attract significant numbers of new visitors to Gloucester. The
Economic Linkages project will enable the city centre to capitalise
on this new economic potential, pulling visitors through the Docks,
Blackfriars and into the main shopping area.
New paving, lighting, street furniture and signs will be put in
to create a pleasant walking route between the two areas, where
pedestrians will have priority over vehicles. It's hoped the
smarter look and feel will see more people using the footpaths, and
new businesses attracted into the currently vacant and run-down
properties along the route.
This important work will build on the economic benefits already
being realised as a result of the regeneration of the Docks and the
Quays.
Greg Smith, chair of the GHURC, said: "South West RDA's funding
commitment is a huge vote of confidence in our comprehensive
ten-year regeneration vision for Gloucester. The Agency clearly
understands the importance to the City's regeneration of enabling
the full benefits of the £400 million of private investment in
Gloucester Quays to flow through into the City. The "Economic
Linkages" project is an essential part of our long term strategy
and will provide an enormous boost to the City centre economy."
Cllr Mark Hawthorne, cabinet member for environment, said: "I am
delighted that this funding has been secured as this scheme is an
essential part of the regeneration of Gloucester and the success of
the whole Docks redevelopment.
"Gloucestershire County Council has always been committed to
delivering this scheme and now we know the money is there it's
starting to become a reality.
"People in Gloucester have waited long enough for this project
to get of the ground and I am looking forward to seeing the changes
take shape."
Notes to editors
1. The South West RDA leads the development of a sustainable
economy, investing to unlock the region's business potential It is
helping companies respond to the economic crisis and charts a
course for recovery. The RDA is developing or expanding initiatives
which include: establishing a Business Loan Fund; coordinating the
response to large companies in difficulty; preparing for economic
recovery.
2. The £11.2 million RDA investment is made up as follows: £3.5
million approved by the RDA's board in October and £7.7 million
approved through the Department of Business, Innovation &
Skills.
Contact:
Kierstan Lowe
Tel: 0117 944 1415
Email: klowe@spiritpublicrelations.co.uk