A £60million shopping and leisure development is on the way to Gloucester – transforming the city.
Eleven restaurants, a 10-screen 1,600 seat cinema, a revamped and expanded Quays and new shops are all on the way, creating 550 new jobs.
A new leisure quarter, called The Quayside, promises to rapidly improve the city’s historic Docks and catapult Gloucester forward as a shopping and food destination.
The existing Cineworld cinema at the Peel Centre would close, with the building itself being either demolished and rebuilt, or extended and revamped so it can provide 55,000 sq ft of retail space for new shops.
A new, modern 10-screen facility would then be built above an existing collection of units in High Orchard Street.
And 11 new restaurants would be built adjacent to the new cinema complex, effectively known as phase two of Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet.
The huge development, which is being pioneered by developers The Peel Group, the creators of the outlet, has been described as “tremendous news” for the city.
Peel hopes to start work on it early next year, with the opening scheduled for the autumn or winter of 2013.
Jason Pullen, managing director of Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet, said: “The changing economic times and markets have seen the scheme evolve and the latest phase of development would see the creation of a new leisure quarter for Gloucester.
“To invest a further £60million of privately funded money is a sign that we believe in the future of Gloucester.
“The city is not yet known for its night time dining and leisure attractions but with the development of The Quayside this would truly rival other destinations, and give the people of Gloucester an alternative with a great range of restaurants and entertainment.”
The investment was decided upon after the company’s chairman John Whittaker, a billionaire, flew over the city in a helicopter from the Isle of Man.
He said: “I believe the proposed cinema and associated restaurants will greatly enhance the choice for Gloucester residents and visitors.”
Under the plans, there will be a ground floor foyer entrance opposite the existing Pizza Express and Nando’s restaurants in Merchants Road to access the cinema.
A licensed bar, fast food outlets and a ticketing section will then greet film goers, with stairs and a lift leading to the facility upstairs.
Peel held discussions with a number of operators and Cineworld is set to be the company to run it.
Talks are also ongoing with restaurant operators about taking up the 11 new retail units adjacent to it, with the developers promising everything from “fine dining” to budget eateries.
There would be indoor and outdoor seating, creating a continental cafe style culture.
Unused space in and around Merchants Road would be filled in to cater for the eateries.
