Gloucester is gearing up for an exciting revitalisation with the planned opening of a new indoor market by spring next year. City leaders confirm this update as part of the significant redevelopment underway at the Eastgate Shopping Centre.
This initiative is a key component of Gloucester City Council’s Greyfriars project, which will relocate the existing market into refurbished shop units within the Eastgate Centre, specifically at Bell Walk. The project also envisions the creation of a vibrant arts and performance venue capable of hosting up to 450 seated or 600 standing guests.
Addison’s Folly will be partly refurbished, with close collaboration between the council, Historic England, and English Heritage to enhance the exterior appearance and setting of the historic Greyfriars House and Monument. The surrounding public spaces will be rejuvenated, transforming the former bowling green into much-needed open community space and repurposing the former bowls club.
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The redevelopment was initially propelled by Gloucester City Council’s previous Conservative leadership, who secured levelling up funding, aided by lobbying from then-MP Richard Graham. The current Liberal Democrat administration at North Warehouse has since advanced the project, with further funding confirmed by the Labour Government in 2024.
During a recent cabinet meeting, Councillor Liam Harries requested progress updates, to which Council Leader Jeremy Hilton responded that work is underway to clear out the former shop units that will become the new market space. Anticipated milestones include the beginning of construction on the bowling green site in 2024 and, pending planning approval, the cultural hub’s completion in 2025.
“This development builds on regeneration efforts already made at Kings Square, the Forum, Hotel Indigo, and the multi-storey car park,” Hilton explained. “It focuses on blending retail and cultural activities to invigorate Eastgate Market and provide vital entertainment facilities in Gloucester, all set within a refreshed public realm alongside improvements to Greyfriars House and Monument. This will breathe new energy and footfall into an area of the city centre that has previously been quiet.”
Hilton added that traders from the current indoor market are expected to relocate to the new site prior to the redevelopment work commencing. “The shops have been emptied and gutted as preparation is underway,” he said. “Following this, we will create a new events space in the former indoor market and proceed with renovations to Greyfriars House and Monument, along with establishing a new public open space on the bowls green.”
The project’s completion is projected for 2028, marked by the opening of the events space. Meanwhile, the new indoor market is expected to welcome visitors by 2027. Hilton concluded, “This will boost trade and footfall significantly, encouraging new businesses to take up residence in redeveloped retail units once works are complete.”