Concerns have emerged about the significant vacancy levels in the office spaces at The Forum, a key component of Gloucester’s ambitious King’s Quarter £115.1m regeneration project. Currently, nearly two-thirds of the office areas remain unoccupied, raising questions about the ongoing need for such extensive workspace.
The Forum, prominently located off Station Road, is a city centre landmark featuring a four-star hotel, a 399-space car park, and over 106,000 square feet of office space. During a recent overview and scrutiny committee meeting, councillors discussed the low occupancy rates and whether the original plans still align with today’s evolving work practices.
Labour group leader Terry Pullen highlighted that around 65% of the office space remains empty, pointing out that the project’s design was conceived before the COVID-19 pandemic shifted work habits significantly. He expressed doubts about the feasibility of fully utilising the allocated office spaces in an era where remote work has become prevalent.
READ MORE: Honouring a Cheltenham Town Legend: Neil Grayson’s Emotional Return to Whaddon Road
READ MORE: Forest Green’s Play-Off Hopes and the 3UP Campaign: Stuart Fleetwood Reflects on Pressure and Promotion
“Given the current working from home culture, do we really need this much office space?” Pullen questioned. He noted that council offices nearby are often sparsely occupied as employees opt to work remotely.
City Council’s head of place, Andy Hearne, acknowledged the market shift but emphasized that adjustments have been made to adapt. He pointed to the introduction of Patch, which offers flexible co-working and serviced office spaces tailored for hybrid workers and startups. Originally intended as a mix of office and gym facilities, this 17,000 sqft area now focuses on providing a flexible workspace for emerging businesses needing short-term or small-scale office solutions.
Hearne noted that The Forum brings premium office space to Gloucester but at rents more affordable than bigger cities, making it attractive for regional businesses seeking quality space without excessive costs. He believes the next 18 months will be pivotal for the office market but remains confident that the current strategy is appropriate, dismissing the need to convert office areas to other uses—for now.
Supporting this view, Peter Langley-Smith, managing director of Reef (the council’s development partner), said companies are increasingly seeking top-tier office environments to attract talent. He praised The Forum’s design and facilities as meeting the expectations of corporate clients looking to relocate.
When questioned about Gloucester’s unique appeal as a location, Langley-Smith highlighted the premium quality, flexibility, and sustainability of the buildings, alongside affordability compared to markets like Bristol. Although emphasizing that The Forum should not be marketed simply as a cheaper alternative, he conceded that reasonable rents are a competitive advantage.
Additionally, Gloucester’s youthful population, vibrant technology sector, and strong education institutions contribute to The Forum’s appeal as a business hub.
As the city navigates shifting workplace trends, The Forum’s success will depend on balancing these factors to fully realize its potential as a dynamic centre for business.