The progress of key Gloucester regeneration sites drawn up to give the city a facelift can now be revealed in an in-depth 'hit-list'.
Gloucester City Council has published a catalogue of sites it deems in need of regeneration, from new flats and housing estates to shop-fronts and restaurants.
The list, drawn up by Gloucester City Councillor Paul James (C, Longlevens), the leader of the council, and city MP Richard Graham, was originally created in anticipation of the Rugby World Cup coming to Gloucester in 2015, a council document said.
It set out to deal with unattractive frontages, vacant properties that has left a physical 'void' on the high street, and identify a site in need of regeneration or a development that an owner "can not realise on their own".
Since 2015, the list has become a record for the Regeneration Advisory Board, which monitors the broad range of properties and sites across the city.
Key sites, such as the Barbican student accommodation and phase one of the Baker's Quay, have been completed. Others are in the process of being redeveloped, such as the Royal Mail Depot on Eastern Avenue and Baker's Quay phase two.
Developments such as the conversion of Gloucester Prison into flats, Tanner's Hall and the former King of Clubs (KCs) night club, have only recently gained planning approval.
Two sites, the office blocks in 67-69 London Road and the former Remax in 100 Northgate Street, stand out as having "long-term difficulties that require more focused attention".
Mr James said: “Our hit list reflects the fact that regeneration is about the smaller sites as well as the big multi-million pound projects.
"We have been able to make good progress by offering support, advice and encouragement to landlords and, in some cases, grants. Where we have not got positive engagement from property owners, the use of the council’s statutory powers, including compulsory purchase, remains an option.
"I’m pleased that we have been able to make progress with so many of the properties identified, but there is still more to do.”
The city council has published the hit-list with a description of the sites and their latest updates. Here's the list in full:
Northgate Street/Blackdog way
Development of 95 residential units and retail unit progressing, anticipated completion of June/July 2019.
Update: Site is being marketed by The Property Centre. Agents’ website claims ‘over 60 per cent of development already sold’
Nine one-bed apartments at £61,250, for 50 per cent shared ownership
Bakers Quay Phases 2 and 3
Phase 1 of Bakers Quays now complete delivering 47 apartments, four cottages, a 104-bed Premier Inn, Beefeater restaurant and a Costa Drive-thru.
Due to state of disrepair, the city council continues to monitor the site and offer support to the developers.
Update: Currently discussing planning and development strategy with the developers to progress with Malthouse Extension and Downings Malthouse.
HMP Gloucester
Planning permission granted for 200 new homes.
Viability continues to be a primary concern for developer with GCC in regular contact.
Update: No update since granting of planning consent in 2018.
Former Argos store
Ground floor being used by the Furniture Recycling Project.
Potential use of upper floors being investigated by a number of partners.
Update: Mason Partners are actively marketing the entire building to let and for sale.
FRP are on a temporary contract for the site. As the development moves forward, the Council will monitor the situation so support can be offered if the need arises.
23-25 and 27-29 Commercial Road (Food Dock)
Planning and Listed Building consent was granted in summer 2016 for a refurbishment scheme.
Originally this was for four restaurants. This has since been revised to a development of 12 food start-ups.
Update: Planning permission granted in January 2019 for a new 'Food Dock' development, comprising 12 small restaurant units targeting independent operators.
Friary House, Southgate Street (upper levels, above Prezzo)
Property has been marketed since Sept 2016 as an investment opportunity.
An application for the construction of an additional storey on the existing three- storey commercial/office building was received, providing 10 apartments (seven one-bed, three two-bed) with a reduction in area to third floor accommodation to provide a further nine apartments.
Update: Ground floor former restaurant and store. The first floor has permission to change the office space to 12 flats. The second floor has permission to change the office space to 12 flats.
The recently-approved planning application relates to the addition of a third floor and the provision of nine additional units.
The total residential units - 33 flats.
Former KC's nightclub
Proposal was received for more student accommodation similar to that at Blackfriars, resulting in the demolition of the old brewery buildings and accompanying work on 109 Westgate Street (Grade II listed building).
Update: Planning was approved in January 2019 for the redevelopment of the site for purpose-built high-quality student accommodation comprising 115 studio units, one warden unit, ancillary student communal areas an and access following demolition of all former nightclub buildings on site.
Ground floor internal alterations were also proposed to 109 Westgate Street (Grade II Listed building), with the demolition of the 20th century single storey fire escape extension attached to the rear of 109 Westgate Street.
Blackfriars
The Blackfriars local development order was adopted in March 2017. It proposes a residential-led scheme (about 500 homes and 100 student flats); and small-scale retail, restaurant/café, office and other commercial uses.
A proposal for new health centre under one public estate also forms part of this site.
Demolition has completed on the old Quayside House.
Update: A pre-application for a predominantly residential development has been received with other supporting uses and car parking.
Development is located within a designated conservation area known as “The Barbican”
Former Royal Mail depot office on Eastern Avenue
Residential development underway for a residential conversion of office
Development at office block is underway for 48 flats (one and two bedroom apartments) under JPA.
An application is under consideration for additional 9 residential units, pending amendments to design and Archaeological evaluation. Affordable accommodation contribution still needs agreement.
Under both applications there are a total of 57 residential units.
Update: Marketed by Hamptons, the first phase is 75 per cent reserved, with prices from £164,000. The majority of purchasers are local first time buyers.
Former Vodafone store, 11 Northgate Street
There has been no interest in the unit since the beginning of 2017. The owner has given reasons for this as down to high business rates and no rear access.
The site has deteriorated to a noticeable level- the landlord is looking into these issues and the council has been assured dilapidation surveys are being undertaken.
Update: The site is subject to ongoing monitoring. The frontage has been redone.
After direct discussions with Downing Bentley Retail, they confirmed they are the current agents for the property and stated they currently have some interest in the site.
74-78 Southgate Street
Three properties in same ownership. Owner has being trying to sell for over 10 years, but poor condition of the buildings and a conservation deficit gives them a negative value. It has been prioritised for grant under the townscape heritage initiative scheme.
The owner has been served with an enforcement notice to carry out essential works.
Update: Cabinet has approved a backstop of a community purchase order for this property should enforcement not result in an acceptable outcome.
67-69 London Road office blocks
Several meetings held between council and Pall Mall Estate, including with a Registered Social Housing Provider.
Residential allocation in the Draft City Plan.
Update: Meeting held in February 2019. Owner expressed willingness to bring forward development and is in discussion with a number of interested parties.
Former Fleece Hotel
Listed Building Consent issued on November 29, 2018 for the proposed works to thid building. This is regarding essential repairs to the sites roof and walls, following the arson attack in 2017.
Agreement secured to undertake a “competitive dialogue procurement process” which includes Longsmith Street Car Park.
Following this a number of expressions of interest were submitted to the council.
Update: The council is still in the early stages of the process, and it is too soon to assess whether any of the current proposals are deliverable.
As part of this process, four developers submitted expressions of interest and initial discussions were held with the council.
The next milestone for the site is the receipt of the Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) in February 2019.
Tanners building, Gouda Way
Planning application for the demolition of a single storey building and erection of a new four-storey building that incorporates the existing Grade 2 listed structure and provides 19 one-bedroom apartments and five two-bedroom apartments.
Update: Planning applications approved in February 2019
Former Remax, in 100 Northgate Street
This is a priority site to address and discussions are taking place on options available to take this site forward.
Update: Representatives of the council have spoken to the owner on a number of occasions and met them on site. They were minded to sell the property and intend to put it on the market shortly.
174-176 Southgate Street
Works included for this are part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative scheme these include improvements to the façade and side elevation, railing re-instatement at the front, and works to the parapet.
The garage to the side and internal works to convert the ground floor will not be included but may happen at a later date.
Update: The garage to the side is being refurbished by the owner in tandem, but without townscape heritage initiative support. Internal works to convert the ground floor have planning consent but this will happen at a later date.
Ongoing monitoring will continue, proposal to remove this site from the ‘hit list’ once construction is complete.
Spread Eagle Court, 110 Northgate Street
Prior approval submitted in August 2016 for a change of use, to provide nine apartments across the first, second and third floor. This was granted on Tuesday November 22.
The refurbishment should provide high quality living accommodation within the heart of the city. The proposed scheme will provide the area with 45 en-suite rooms.
The design of Spread Eagle Court is to provide nine flats spread across three floors; each flat contains five rooms leaving a total of 45 rooms.
Update: Planning application still being determined. A flood risk assessment was requested in October 2018.
180 Barton Street
Planning consents granted in 2005, 2008 and 2010, resulting in former shop being given a commercial storage use class with a rear extension and two storey side extension. The property appears to be unused at present, and it is unslightly.
Update: A recent dangerous buildings action resulted in the owner removing dangerous tiles as well as works to secure and prop a dangerous structure. Building control now takes the view that the danger has been removed.
Wessex House, Great Western Road
Site has been acquired by the city council.
Site in disrepair but Is part of wider railway station improvement project.
The proposed development site includes the widening of the subway exit as part of a £3.75million regeneration scheme to improve railway station access.
This investment will create a safer, more attractive subway that helps improve pedestrian access to and from the city centre.
Update: The city council is currently considering options for the site. The site will benefit from the increased footfall utilising the subway.
Prince Albert Pub/Fusion
A nursery pulled out, after the owner applied for change of use from a public house and residential accommodation to a children's nursery.
The agents are now promoting the site for a number of potential uses.
Internally the property is in a state of disrepair and will need significant investment to make it fit for purpose.
Update: Discussions with the agent, Kurt Wyman, are ongoing.
2 Hare Lane, Northgate Street
Owner is awaiting lease held with Co-op to expire before putting the property back on to the market.
Part occupied by a tanning salon.
Update: Beauty Box salon part occupies.
RAFA Building
Conversion and alterations to existing building with first floor rear extension to create 14 flats with seven off street car parking spaces.
Due to discharge conditions relating to the listed part of the building, the developer can only work on the rear of the site.
A Section 215 Notice served on the owner in August 2018 resulted in the site being cleared on the exterior, and new Heras fencing being erected.
Update: The Council continues to offer help and support the owner maintain the work done to bring forward this property. He has tidied the site and made the shell of the building to the rear wind and watertight.
He is going to wait for a few months until the economic uncertainty at the moment is clearer and will then make a decision on the way forward.
Former Interbrew, Eastern Avenue (Access Park)
Previously promoted as Access Park, the former Interbrew site is now on the market being promoted by agent Morgan Williams. For sale or to let, the site (about 148,000 sq ft) has a planning consent for a large format wholesale/retail warehouse club and associated parking, servicing, and a new site access junction.
Update: An application has been received by the council. This is pending consideration.
The application is for demolition of the existing building, and redevelopment into a mix use site. This includes a DIY retail store, 44-bedroom hotel, drive-thru restaurant and multiple employment units.
