By Camelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Plans for a new market, food hall and cultural venue as part of the £13.8m Greyfriars Quarter redevelopment at Eastgate Shopping Centre in Gloucester have been revealed.
City Council chiefs are due to debate plans for the major project at their cabinet meeting tomorrow (December 10) and allocate £4m to be spent on the first phase of the project.
The news comes as the council finds itself needing a Government bailout of between £12.5m to £17.5m in revenue funding to provide day-to-day services after overspends were discovered as its accounts were checked by external auditors.
However, £11 million of the capital funding for the scheme was allocated to the authority in 2023 specifically for this project as part of a national scheme to regenerate parts of the UK and it cannot be spent on anything else.
Work on the landmark scheme to replace the outdated indoor market hall and a disused part of the shopping centre is expected to begin early next year, if approved by cabinet.
Leaders hope the project will provide a “vibrant” new marketplace featuring a diverse range of traders and goods as well as an “eclectic” food hall where people can eat, drink, and socialise in relaxing surroundings.
The plans also include a “stunning and accessible” 450-seat performance and cultural venue, designed to offer something for everyone, according to the council.
The project also includes revamping outdoor spaces around the Eastgate Shopping Centre with a new park area, improved landscaping and walkways, while safeguarding adjacent historic buildings.
The aim is to create a destination that blends heritage with modern city living.
By attracting more people to the city centre, the scheme is also expected to boost footfall for other shops, bars and restaurants across the city.
The regeneration is being financed largely by £11 million of Government Levelling Up money, which was confirmed in November last year.
This will be topped up by already earmarked funds from the council’s capital budget which is used for major projects such as this which is expected to be completed for 2028.
The council says the project will deliver many of the improvements residents and businesses have asked for – from better public spaces to more cultural opportunities, a modern and attractive market hall, and a boost to the local economy.
What the Greyfriars project will bring:
Modern market: A bright, welcoming space for local traders and shoppers
Food hall: Great food and the perfect place to eat, relax, and mix with friends and family
Cultural & performance venue: A multi-purpose space for audiences of up to 700 standing, plus social, workshop and community areas – designed to engage audiences with a wide range of interests
Heritage focus: Restoration of Addison’s Folly and the former Bowls Club, alongside improved garden areas near the historic Greyfriars Monument
Andy Hearne, who is Head of Place at the council, said their priority is to relocate Eastgate Market, which will be moving to a row of empty shops where Vision Express used to be.
This will ensure continuity for existing traders, he said, while creating a refreshed market space that improves the overall offer and makes it a vibrant, attractive place to visit.
“This phase is all about community engagement and design, working with local people to shape a market that truly reflects Gloucester and meets their needs,” he said.
“Moving the market will also unlock the old market hall for its exciting next chapter as a cultural and entertainment hub.
“Together with outdoor improvements and heritage restoration, this programme will breathe new life into one of Gloucester’s most historic areas and build on the regeneration already transforming this fantastic city.”
Council leader Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) said the Greyfriars Project is “the next big step in Gloucester’s city centre renaissance”.
“This project will bring more people into Eastgate, boost trade for all our local shops and businesses and create a vibrant area that also celebrates our heritage,” he said.
“We’re building a city centre that works for residents, traders and visitors – across daytimes and evenings.”
Culture and leisure cabinet member Caroline Courtney (LD, Tuffley) said the scheme will also be a game-changer for the city’s cultural offer and audiences.
“It will give us the flexibility to host everything from live music, dance and theatre to community workshops and festivals, complementing existing venues and creating vital and accessible cultural facilities for our city, with a greater platform for both homegrown and national talent,” she said.
“It’s about creating a space where culture thrives and everyone feels welcome – a place that reflects the creativity and diversity of our city.”
The council is planning to consult with traders, other stakeholders and the public before submitting final plans.