By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
The “bold and bright” colour of a former Gloucester city centre pub has split opinion among civic chiefs.
The old Chambers pub in King’s Square is being turned into Coro Lounge which will be family orientated café and bar.
Hospitality company Loungers, which already runs Portivo Lounge at the Quays, Fioro Lounge in Cheltenham and Cosy Club at The Brewery Quarter among others in the county, is transforming the site which has been closed since the Covid-19 pandemic and comes amid the ongoing regeneration of the area.
Coro Lounge will offer food from morning to evening, seven days a week and become a comfy “home from home”, according to Loungers.
Proposals for the site were approved by Gloucester City Council in December.
And it is hoped Coro Lounge will prove popular with people of all ages, with what is described as an ‘active frontage’ and add to the life of the King’s Walk and King’s Square shopping areas.
Workers were seen painting the former pub on March 26 and its colour seems to reflect that of the nearby Forum.
But this has split opinion among the three councillors who represent the Westgate ward on the City Council.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Howard Hyman said: “Perhaps there should be a re-think. It doesn’t blend in with the rest of the square.”
But Conservative Pam Tracey said she loved it and is really pleased the site will soon be used again.
“I love the colour. I think it’s brilliant. It’s like Barbie colour.”
While Liberal Democrat Councillor Rebecca Trimnell said the lounge’s colour is “strikingly bold and bright” but she’s looking forward to its opening.
“It’s great to see Coro Lounge taking shape, I do really like the Lounge bars that are dotted around the country,” she said.
“The outside colour is strikingly bold and bright. I’m confident it’ll be a success in drawing residents and visitors alike especially with it now being just a stones throw away from the newly opened Hotel Indigo.
“I look forward to seeing Coro Lounge when it’s complete, stepping inside for a drink and something to eat such as their tapas selection.”