As we head into 2016, it’s right to look back at the last 12 months as well as looking forward to the year ahead. We billed 2015 as “Our Big Year” – and indeed it was! As well as the Rugby World Cup, for which Gloucester’s contribution received widespread plaudits, we had the Tall Ships Festival, the Scrumpty Trail and a whole range of big events in the city. We had a general election (doesn’t that seem a long time ago!) and Her Majesty the Queen visited Gloucester (Innsworth actually, but we’ll take it!). On a personal note, the biggest occasion of the year was the birth of my first child, my daughter Eirys.

Regeneration work throughout the city
How on earth will we match this in 2016? From an events perspective we have the 800th anniversary of the coronation of Henry III at Gloucester Cathedral – the only monarch to be crowned outside London. A re-enactment of that occasion is planned, hopefully with a special visitor present. We also have Gloucester’s turn to host the Three Choirs Festival, which will be part of a summer of music, art and culture.

On the regeneration front, I’m hoping for real progress. Work will finally start on our new state of the art bus station. Subject to a positive outcome from the planning committee, we will see work start at Bakers Quay after twenty years of dereliction. Likewise, there is activity on the ground at the Railway Triangle and other difficult sites like the former Kwik-Save premises in Northgate Street/Black Dog way could finally get over the line.

Making progress on unfinished projects
2016 will also be a crucial year for other projects I regard as unfinished business – like the Kings Quarter scheme and the return of Gloucester City Football Club to play within the city boundaries. Both have been a source of frustration for many people and, although neither will be completed over the next 12 months, genuine progress on both is vital.

2015 was a big year for Gloucester. I’m optimistic about 2016. I hope it gives you and your family everything you wish for too.