By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
University bosses are “not taking a breather” and planning work has begun for the second phase of the City Campus project with talks over possible dentistry use.
The landmark former Debenhams building in Kings Square is set to open to the public on Monday, August 18.
University of Gloucestershire chiefs are pleased with the completion of the first phase of the project which means the ground and first floors will soon be used by students.
However, work is now underway to prepare the second phase of redevelopment which will the completion of refurbishment for the two upper floors and the basement and find their future use.
A dentistry centre may form part of the plans for the next stage and the university is in talks with the NHS over this prospect.
Vice-chancellor Clare Marchant is pleased phase one is now complete and the focus has already shifted to starting work on the next chapter.
“We aren’t taking a breather,” she said. “We’ve appointed an agent for phase two which is the top two floors and the basement.
“We are already in conversations with the NHS around part of one of the top floors in terms of what we could do around dentistry.
“And community provision of dentistry. It’s a live conversation, it’s not a done deal.
“But our agent will look for occupiers who are in line with the ethos and values fo what we’ve set up here.
“It’s not just a teaching facility. It’s got the art gallery and hub, the county library, etc.
“One of the reasons we kept the study space open to the public is I want the community to come here and use it.
“Whether it’s surfing for something online, or reading.
“There will be an all through from Northgate Street to Kings Square and we expect the footfall to be high.”