Gloucester Quays is on the verge of a major milestone as city officials work to secure £1.5 million in funding for the long-awaited Downing’s Malthouse regeneration project. This funding is critical to kick-start construction on the final phase of the Baker’s Quay development, which has been approved for over three years but remains unbuilt.
The ambitious regeneration plan envisions a striking 10-storey tower block offering 117 flats. It also includes the careful restoration and extension of the 19th-century Downing’s Malthouse and the adjacent High Orchard Street Warehouse—both listed buildings integral to Gloucester’s heritage.
Despite planning permission being granted, progress has stalled primarily due to financial constraints. In 2024, the council waived £430,000 in developer contributions to ease the burden, but additional support is now essential. City council leader Jeremy Hilton has proposed entering negotiations with Homes England to secure the £1.5 million tranche for Rokeby Merchant Developments Gloucester Limited, the developer behind the project.
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“This funding will enable construction to begin, preserve our historic buildings, and complete the remaining phases of this key redevelopment,” Hilton explained during a recent cabinet meeting. He emphasized, “This is not Gloucester City Council’s money. We will manage it diligently to ensure conditions and timelines are met so Rokeby Merchants can move forward.”
Previous phases at Baker’s Quay have seen partial success. Phase one, which included a hotel, restaurant, drive-thru, and the Provender residential and commercial complex, was completed with significant backing from the Homes and Communities Agency and a council regeneration loan. However, later phases encountered viability challenges, leading to requests for further financial support.
The upcoming phase two includes transforming the Malthouse extension into residential units, converting the transit shed into commercial space, and mixed-use plans for Downing’s Malthouse. Securing the latest funding is seen as the crucial piece needed to align the project’s finances and finally bring this historic redevelopment to life.
Deputy council leader Declan Wilson praised the ongoing regeneration efforts, remarking, “It’s fantastic to see this momentum being maintained. Despite challenges, positive progress is happening, and that’s worth celebrating.”
As Gloucester Quays heads toward completing a vision decades in the making, the city remains committed to revitalizing this iconic waterfront space while honoring its rich industrial heritage.