Red Ahead at The Forum, Gloucester
The latest images of The Forum, the £107 million development in the heart of Gloucester city centre, have been released, revealing the striking red facades and progress on site ahead of completion later this year.
Driven by Gloucester City Council, in partnership with developer Reef Group, the new development will offer premium offices, residential apartments, retail space, restaurants, a Hotel Indigo (IHG Hotels) complete with rooftop bar.
The photographs show progress on site, with scaffolding now removed on both buildings, One Cathedral View and Two Cathedral View.
The facades, inspired by the cloisters at nearby Gloucester Cathedral, are now on full display. The design of the 1,324 aluminium and glass panels combines modernity with respect for the city's architectural heritage.
The building also features an innovative media façade, a 17-metre high and 9-metre wide LED lighting system integrated into the external walls of The Forum, blending into the design of the building during daytime hours and coming to life at dusk.
Leader of Gloucester City Council, Councillor Jeremy Hilton, said: “It’s very exciting to see the progress of this huge multi-million pound project. The project is now nearing completion, and the site will come to life later this year as companies move in and the public can walk through a new city centre street. Together with the University City Campus opening for students, 2025 promises to be a great year for Kings Quarter.
“Gloucester has massive potential and we are committed to making the most of the huge investment which continues to flood into the city as projects like this show how ambitious we are for Gloucester.”
When complete, the Forum will offer:
- A sustainably built, mixed used development: built to a BREEAM rating of Excellent and net-zero carbon in operation.
- 135,000 sq ft grade A office space: providing flexibility for companies to adapt their work environment as teams grow.
- Hotel Indigo, IHG Hotels: the 131 room hotel will offer a restaurant, conferencing facilities and a rooftop cocktail bar.
- Car park – Q-Park: 398-space car park, with 39 electric vehicle charging points.
- Green-commute friendly transport options: near to the new bus station and the train station, as well as providing bicycle parking on-site.
- 19 award winning apartments, Whitefriars: the apartments designed to minimise energy use, including the use of air source heat pumps, low energy light fittings, and sustainable materials. Whitefriars won Small Residential Development of the Year at the Insider South West Residential Property Awards 2024.
- Stunning views of the city centre, cathedral and surrounding countryside.
- Retail space: Tesco has relocated a Tesco Express within the development.
