Gloucester City Council has provided an important update on several regeneration projects and prominent derelict sites across the city. The focus includes progress on Whitefriars, St Oswalds, Wessex House, and the deteriorating Spread Eagle Court.
At the cabinet meeting on July 9, Conservative group leader Stephanie Chambers requested an overview of the status of these developments. Council leader Jeremy Hilton, who oversees regeneration, supplied a detailed written response highlighting current activities at each location.
At Whitefriars Plot 3c, remediation works are currently underway, with demolition of the former Thai restaurant scheduled to begin next month. Plans to increase the number of apartments from 24 to at least 32 are being prepared to align with Government grant funding requirements.
For the St Oswalds site, a planning application for a residential development is imminent, accompanied by ongoing site remediation work.
Regarding Wessex House, the main remediation contract is set to go out for tender within the next two weeks, with a preferred contractor expected to be selected later this year. Additionally, a massing options appraisal is underway to determine the site’s development potential.
Spread Eagle Court, which is not owned by the council, remains in significant disrepair. Due to safety concerns, Gloucester City Council has secured the building’s entrances and installed metal shutters to prevent vandalism.
During the meeting, Cllr Chambers also requested a report on all buildings classified as dangerous structures within the past year. Cllr Hilton confirmed that a written response would be provided shortly.