Gloucester’s flagship development, The Forum, is facing growing concerns as reports reveal that nearly 65% of its office space remains unoccupied. This prominent city centre landmark, part of the £115.1 million King’s Quarter regeneration project, includes a four-star hotel, a 399-space car park, and over 106,000 square feet of office space.
At a recent overview and scrutiny committee meeting, councillors questioned the current need for such extensive office space amid rising vacancy levels. Terry Pullen, Labour group leader, highlighted that the vacant office space constitutes the bulk of unused areas within The Forum. “The design concept for The Forum was developed pre-COVID,” he noted, expressing doubts about whether the original office space plans still align with today’s flexible working trends.
Pullen pointed to Gloucester’s surplus of office space, accentuated by the widespread adoption of remote work. “When I visit council offices, many desks remain empty as staff work from home,” he said. He questioned if repurposing some of The Forum’s office area might be necessary given the shift in working habits.
City Council’s head of place, Andy Hearne, acknowledged these market shifts and confirmed that the council has adapted its planning to meet new demands. This adaptation included introducing Patch, a co-working and serviced office provider tailored for hybrid workers and startups. Initially, the 17,000 sq ft space was to house mixed uses, including some office and gym facilities, but now focuses primarily on flexible office solutions.
Hearne emphasized that Gloucester has lacked premium office space until now, and The Forum offers premium-quality offices at Gloucester’s more affordable rents. “For growing businesses in the region seeking prime office space and location, The Forum is an ideal, cost-effective choice,” he said.
He remains optimistic about The Forum’s future, suggesting the next 18 months will be pivotal for the office market but does not see an immediate need to convert office spaces to other uses.
Peter Langley-Smith, managing director of the council’s development partner Reef, reinforced confidence in The Forum’s appeal. He observed that companies increasingly demand top-tier office locations to attract talent, and The Forum’s quality aligns perfectly with this trend. “I wholeheartedly believe our delivery at The Forum meets the evolving corporate demand,” he stated.
When asked about Gloucester’s unique selling points, Langley-Smith cited the exceptional quality, flexibility, and sustainability of The Forum’s buildings. He added that affordability relative to larger markets like Bristol is a significant draw, though it poses a marketing challenge not to appear merely as a cheaper alternative.
Moreover, The Forum benefits from Gloucester’s youthful population, vibrant tech community, and strong educational institutions, further enhancing its attractiveness as a business hub.