Gloucester is set to welcome a fresh wave of activity with the anticipated opening of a new indoor market by spring next year, city officials have confirmed. This exciting development forms part of Gloucester City Council’s Greyfriars project, which will relocate the existing market within the Eastgate Shopping Centre to a new, revitalized space in Bell Walk.
The ambitious scheme also includes the creation of a versatile arts and performance venue capable of seating up to 450 people or accommodating 600 standing attendees. Addison’s Folly, a key site in the project, will undergo partial refurbishment, with improvements planned for the external appearance and surroundings of Greyfriars House and Monument in collaboration with Historic England and English Heritage.
Enhancing the public realm is central to the plan, which will transform the former bowls club into a community-led facility and open up the adjacent bowling green for public use. These improvements aim to inject new energy and purpose into this once quiet part of Gloucester’s city centre.
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The project benefited from levelling-up funding originally secured under the council’s previous Conservative leadership, assisted by former MP Richard Graham. The current Liberal Democrat administration, operating from North Warehouse, is now advancing the development after funding was reaffirmed by the Labour Government in 2024.
At a cabinet meeting on June 10, Councillor Liam Harries (Quedgeley Severn Vale) requested an update on progress. Council leader Jeremy Hilton (Kingsholm and Wotton) shared that renovation work is already underway, with former shop units being cleared to prepare for the market’s relocation.
Construction on the building at the bowling green is slated to start later this year, with the cultural hub expected to be completed in the following year, pending final planning approvals. This initiative complements recent regeneration efforts across Gloucester, including improvements to Kings Square, the Forum, Hotel Indigo, and a new multi-storey car park.
Cllr Hilton emphasized the project’s focus on revitalizing retail and cultural offerings, creating a lively new destination that will attract greater footfall and commerce. “Bringing new life, activities, and footfall to this previously quiet quarter of the city centre is a priority,” he said.
The plan ensures market traders will relocate to the new venue ahead of major works, minimizing disruption. Post-market move, the former indoor market space will be repurposed as a new events area. Concurrently, enhancements to Greyfriars House and Monument will progress alongside the development of a public open space on the former bowls green.
The full project completion, including the cultural events space, is anticipated by 2028. The new indoor market is expected to open a year earlier, heralding increased trade and attracting businesses to reoccupy nearby shop units.
This major redevelopment promises to enrich Gloucester’s cultural life, invigorate the local economy, and strengthen community spaces for residents and visitors alike.