By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Car parks could be redeveloped to provide hundreds of new homes in Gloucester – sparking fears over the city centre’s already ‘diabolical’ parking problems.
The City Council is developing a new masterplan which will set out the authority’s new regeneration vision for Gloucester.
Its ambition is for the city to become a “connected historic county capital” with a “strong civic heart, connected neighbourhoods, and a growing educational and economic role across the region”.
Part of the masterplan involves strengthening the city centre with redevelopments, which would provide more housing while creating a city that attracts and retains people of all ages.
Areas with potential for new housing include Longsmith Street, Kingswalk and Oxbode, Eastgate Shopping Centre and lower Eastgate Street, which have been identified as locations that could generate a transformative impact on the quality and activity of the city centre.
The car parks in Longsmith Street and Ladybellegate Street have the potential to deliver between 90 to 100 homes with a pocket market. It could also be delivered as purpose-built student accommodation, according to the report.
And Kingswalk has the potential to deliver up to 20 homes as well as rebuilding or retrofitting to provide a new frontage to Kings Square.
At the Oxebode some 20 to 25 new homes could be delivered while retaining the existing frontage and introducing a new building that extends by one storey with a large internal courtyard.
The masterplan also suggests there is the potential to build between 60 to 75 homes which would create a new north-south connection from Cromwell Street to Lower Eastgate Street.
Such a development would aim to improve the setting of the historic Gloucester City Mission building.
Deputy Labour group leader Karen James (Kingsway) said any investment in the city centre is to be welcomed, particularly with how high streets are changing.
“More city centre housing will revitalise the area and increase footfall, thus benefiting businesses,” she said.
“Moreover, it should be affordable and include a minimum of 30 per cent social housing. While none of the schemes mentioned are new ideas, it would be good to see some action on taking them forward.”
But Conservative councillor Pam Tracey (Westgate) fears it will worsen parking problems in the city centre.
“People can’t park as it is, even going to the railway station,” she said. “It’s diabolical. People have got to use cars, you can’t get a proper bus.”
Fellow Westgate councillor Howard Hyman (LD) also believes the plan should be reviewed as he is concerned about the potential loss of parking space.
“We are going to lose a lot of car parking space for people who shop, visit and some residents as well,” he said.
“I’m just wondering if it would be better to look elsewhere for housing rather than taking away what I consider to be important car parking space.”
Liberal Democrat group leader Jeremy Hilton (Kingsholm and Wotton) said the new city masterplan has been in development for several months and is supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
“It is an ambitious, imaginative framework that will guide regeneration and development across the city for years to come, and it should inspire high‑quality proposals from partners and investors,” he said.
“The draft will be published for public consultation during October and November, giving residents, businesses and community groups the chance to help shape Gloucester’s long‑term future.
“The masterplan sets out a vision for a stronger, climate‑resilient city. It aims to protect and celebrate our heritage, culture and neighbourhoods; create more opportunities for people to live healthy, inclusive lives; and build a modern economy that retains talent and strengthens Gloucester’s position for the future.
“It also identifies key regeneration sites across the city and outlines how they can be enhanced to support growth, investment and improved quality of life.”
A final public consultation on the draft masterplan is planned later this month before it is endorsed the City Council.