A once-criticised area in Gloucester, notable for its large concrete blocks intended to prevent illegal parking, is set to be rejuvenated as a small pocket park.
The blocks were installed in October last year along Mount Street to stop vehicles from mounting pavements and parking on the grass, but residents quickly labelled them an “eyesore.” Councillor Rebecca Trimnell (LD), representing the area on Gloucester City Council and at Shire Hall, expressed early concerns about the blocks remaining as a permanent feature, describing them as a “total eyesore.”
After being painted green, the blocks earned a playful nickname from locals who likened them to “Duplo bricks,” leading to comparisons with “Legoland.”
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Now, Gloucestershire County Council, in collaboration with local firm Phoenix Consultants, is leading a project to transform this space into a nature-inspired community asset, with completion expected by autumn.
The initiative begins with installing large, bespoke planters affixed to the existing concrete blocks. These will be planted with flora designed to provide year-round visual appeal and support local wildlife.
Complementing this greenery, local professional artists will create mural artworks inspired by nature and wildlife directly on the planters. These murals intend to invigorate the space with colour and reflect the area’s natural beauty.
Jemma Skidmore, a local resident instrumental in advancing the project, voiced her enthusiasm. She advocated for involving JOLT, Gloucester’s city centre creative hub and business accelerator, to coordinate artist involvement rather than opting for conventional paving solutions.
“We’re really excited. We think it will look great and hopefully there will be more projects like it,” Ms Skidmore said.
Phoenix Consultants outlined future phases of the pocket park, which include crafting a mural-adorned backdrop and creating opportunities to foster community engagement among neighbours.
“This pocket park aims to uplift a neglected spot while focusing on how to transform it in a way that benefits local residents,” a spokesman said. “It is intended as a third space where locals can catch up, have picnics, and fully enjoy the area.”
The company, based in Gloucester, is responsible for designing, fabricating, and installing the planters in the coming weeks.
Councillor Trimnell expressed her delight at the project’s progress, recalling the area’s informal monikers such as “little Beirut” and “Legoland” due to the concrete blocks’ presence.
“I am pleased that the area will now be creatively transformed using the concrete blocks to create a much more welcoming place for residents and visitors alike,” she said.
“I look forward to working with the highly reputable local company and am excited to see the finished project in all its splendour before the end of the year.”