Plans for a new entertainment and cultural venue at the Eastgate Shopping Centre have sparked concerns about the future of the struggling Gloucester Guildhall.
As part of the £13.8 million Greyfriars Quarter redevelopment, Gloucester City Council recently approved a £4 million allocation for the project’s first phase. The development will feature a new market, an eclectic food hall, and a 450-seat performance and cultural venue, designed to foster a vibrant social atmosphere.
However, councillors have voiced worries that this new venue could negatively affect the Guildhall, located just across the street. Councillor Tree Chambers-Dubus (L, Moreland) expressed her anxiety during a special council meeting on December 18 regarding the city’s financial outlook and cultural resources.
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“We already have one cultural space, the Guildhall, which barely breaks even,” she said. “They struggle to maintain programming and rely heavily on Arts Council funding. What happens when we add a second venue?”
Cllr Chambers-Dubus emphasized concern about the council’s limited budget and questioned how both venues could be sustainably supported.
In response, Culture and Leisure Cabinet Member Caroline Courtney (LD, Tuffley) acknowledged the challenges faced by the Guildhall, citing its outdated facilities, limited visibility, and accessibility issues. “Everyone loves the Guildhall, but it’s not the most practical space,” she said.
Courtney also noted that the Guildhall receives an annual grant from the Arts Council and that closing the venue would have financial repercussions, including repaying that funding.
She highlighted that the Arts Council supports the development of the new cultural hub in Greyfriars, believing it can overcome the issues currently faced by the Guildhall. The new venue promises a larger audience capacity, a more attractive location adjacent to a food hall and market, and a space where visitors might stay longer.
“At the Guildhall, there’s not much happening in the evenings beyond shows,” Courtney said. “This new space aims to create a lively atmosphere where people want to spend more time.”
While the new development promises cultural growth, the debate continues on how best to balance resources and maintain existing venues in a city with tight financial constraints.