As businesses in the South West embrace the return to office life, employees are turning to Gloucester’s newest contemporary workspace, Forum, to redefine their working experience. This £107 million mixed-use regeneration project, developed by Gloucester City Council in partnership with Reef + Partners, offers modern, sustainable, and flexible office environments tailored to today’s evolving workforce needs.
Forum’s exceptional facilities are already attracting major tenants. Fasthosts, a leading internet services and web hosting provider, became the first major occupant when it moved into No 2 Cathedral Walk in December 2024. The company now occupies 19,000 square feet across five floors, bringing all 250 employees together under one roof for the first time.
“We don’t mandate office attendance; instead, we create spaces people want to come to,” explains Rupert Bedell, CEO of Fasthosts. “Forum’s design offers a variety of desk options that accommodate different working styles. The natural light from the full-length windows energises the team and lifts morale. Plus, the excellent transport links have encouraged many staff to commute by bus or train.”
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Fasthosts embraces a hot-desking policy, encouraging flexibility as employees clear their workstations daily and store items in personal lockers. To strengthen team culture, the company organises activities such as gaming nights, art sessions, and lunch clubs. Each floor features kitchenettes, with the top-floor kitchen providing breakfast and unlimited refreshments to keep employees refreshed and connected.
The workspace prioritises employee wellbeing and functionality. It includes multiple breakout rooms, informal seating, multi-faith rooms, and soundproof call booths, creating an environment that supports productivity, collaboration, and comfort.
Peter Langly-Smith, managing director at Reef + Partners, highlights the evolving role of offices: “Today’s businesses seek innovative, wellbeing-focused spaces rather than just rows of desks. Forum is designed to be a hub for connection, with adaptable floorplates, panoramic city views, and on-site leisure amenities.”
Forum offers flexible spaces ranging from 3,000 to 15,000 square feet, suitable for small to medium-sized teams. Exclusive terraces on upper floors provide additional outdoor areas, while expansive windows maximise natural light and ventilation throughout.
With these features, Forum positions itself as a premier destination for businesses aiming to craft productive, collaborative, and employee-focused work environments in Gloucester.