Understand
Gloucester city centre car parks could be redeveloped for housing under new council masterplan
Overview
Gloucester City Council is developing a new regeneration masterplan that could see several city centre car parks transformed into hundreds of new homes and student accommodation. While supporters argue the plans will revitalise the high street and increase footfall, some councillors have raised concerns about the potential loss of vital parking spaces.
Key points
- Gloucester City Council's new masterplan identifies areas including Longsmith Street, King's Walk, The Oxbode, and Lower Eastgate Street as having potential for new housing.
- Longsmith Street and Ladybellegate Street car parks could provide 90-100 homes or student accommodation, alongside a pocket park.
- King's Walk and The Oxbode have potential for around 40 to 45 combined homes with frontage updates.
- A further 60 to 75 homes could create a new north-south connection from Cromwell Street to Lower Eastgate Street.
- Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors raised concerns over the loss of parking and existing difficulties with parking in the city centre.
- Labour representatives welcomed the potential for increased footfall and business support, while calling for at least 30 per cent social housing.
- The draft masterplan is scheduled to be published for public consultation later in the month.