Gloucester City Council has unveiled ambitious plans for a new market, food hall, and cultural venue as part of the £13.8 million Greyfriars Quarter redevelopment at Eastgate Shopping Centre.
The council’s cabinet meeting on Wednesday, December 10, will discuss the project and consider allocating £4 million for the first phase. This development comes amid financial challenges facing the council, including a government bailout request of up to £17.5 million to cover service overspends. However, £11 million of the funding for the Greyfriars project was earmarked in 2023 as part of the national Levelling Up scheme and is strictly reserved for regenerating the city centre.
If approved, construction is expected to commence early next year, transforming the outdated indoor market hall and revitalizing a disused section of the shopping centre. The project aims to create a vibrant new marketplace with a diverse range of traders and an “eclectic” food hall designed to be a welcoming social hub for eating, drinking, and relaxing.
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Additionally, plans include a striking and accessible 450-seat performance and cultural venue, intended to host a variety of events catering to all audiences. Surrounding outdoor spaces will also be enhanced with a new park, improved landscaping, and pedestrian walkways, all while preserving the area’s historic architecture. The scheme seeks to blend Gloucester’s heritage with modern urban living, attracting more visitors to the city centre and boosting business for local shops, bars, and restaurants.
Funded primarily by the £11 million Government Levelling Up grant, complemented by council capital funds, the redevelopment is scheduled for completion by 2028. The council emphasizes that the Greyfriars project reflects feedback from residents and businesses, promising improved public spaces, cultural opportunities, a modern market, and economic growth.
Andy Hearne, the council’s Head of Place, highlighted the importance of relocating the Eastgate Market to vacant shops formerly occupied by Vision Express. This move will ensure traders can continue operating while benefiting from an upgraded, appealing market environment. He describes this phase as a collaborative effort involving community input to create a market space truly representative of Gloucester.
“This relocation frees up the old market hall to be transformed into an exciting cultural and entertainment hub,” Hearne stated. “Together with outdoor improvements and heritage restoration, this project will breathe new life into one of Gloucester’s most historic areas.”
Council leader Jeremy Hilton called the Greyfriars project “the next big step in Gloucester’s city centre renaissance,” emphasizing its potential to drive foot traffic and celebrate the city’s heritage. He envisions a city centre that serves residents, traders, and visitors throughout the day and evening.
Culture and leisure cabinet member Caroline Courtney praised the project’s potential to enhance Gloucester’s cultural scene. “It will enable us to host a wide range of events, from live music and theatre to community workshops and festivals, complementing existing venues while offering vital new cultural spaces,” she said. “This is about creating an inclusive environment where creativity flourishes and everyone feels welcome.”
Before finalizing plans, the council will consult with traders, stakeholders, and the public to ensure the development meets community needs and expectations.