The future is looking brighter for Kings Square – and not just in the years to come, but in the months ahead.

Contractors are currently on-site replacing the tired, cracked and aging paving along Kings Walk from Subway to the covered area and in front of Costa and Iceland. Following on from that, a new toilet block will be installed in early September. Other improvements such as painting walls and street furniture will also take place.

Businesses are investing
Kings Square had been on a downward spiral for years after its award-winning 1970s design didn’t stand the test of time. But in recent years its fortunes have started to turn around. The “bearpit” toilets have been filled in and replaced with a grassed area, and the infamous Golden Egg was acquired by the Council and demolished last year.

Aviva, the owner of Kings Walk shopping centre, have been doing their bit too – repainting the upper levels of their buildings and bringing in new retailers like The Entertainer. Businesses are investing as well. Jane’s Pantry has doubled the size of their unit, and The Chambers pub has had a £200,000 refurbishment. The Chambers occupies part of Kings House, which is now owned by the Council. The upper levels have been empty for years but we have exciting plans to bring them back into use.

Our city centre can be successful
Another project which will improve the Square is the Rugby World Cup commemoration bench. Carved by the Cathedral Stonemasons, the bench will be paid for by crowdfunding – people or businesses can buy an engraved brick paver to go alongside the bench for £100 for a single or £200 for a double – see www.crowdfunder.co.uk/Gloucester2015.

The first major event to take place after the repaving works are finished is the Gloucester Goes Retro Festival on 29th and 30th August. A retro market will take place in Kings Square, with each of the gate streets adopting a decade and being lined with classic cars, while businesses also join in the fun. It should be a great event and will show how our city centre can be successful with a bit of investment and everybody working together.