In the Citizen today it has been announced that Kings Square is going to get regenerated.
The other week, I was very critical of Kings Square, and it seems that people agreed with me. The new site will apparently get new shops, bars, restaurants, residential and office facilities, as well as a new bus station as well as a “high-quality public square, open spaces and parking”.
Bus Station – brilliant, desperately needed. as well as the whole area, dubbed the Kings Quarter needs the complete revamp. Shops, bars, restaurants – ok that all good, it will provide a vibrant atmosphere if tastefully done, and providing something new and not just more of the same. But then add on residential and office facilities. That seems to be code for more flats? Do we need them? I think the public square idea is great, and could be a real feature, which should be used to show off Gloucester’s history.
I think that this project, if done well, will provide a great “face” to the city for those coming in off the Public Transport network. It should also provide some real competition for the Quays too, which will be good for both areas, and all the businesses in between.
But – Talk is cheap. We need to see some action. The City Council have set aside £1.5m for this (presumably in this financial year), which is a huge amount considering the service cuts. Therefore they have to drive this to happen and not let it slide.
Hopefully this is the next fundamental step along the regeneration of Gloucester and I am looking forward to seeing it.
