Southgate Street is one of Gloucester’s key gateways, linking the city centre and the Docks and Quays. But, to be fair, it hasn’t always looked its best in the recent past. Equally, though, I believe it is now going to see a dramatic transformation.

The City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) are jointly funding a £1.2 million Townscape Heritage Initiative, with grants available to help property owners carry out improvements. The HLF are also supporting the Discover DeCrypt project to bring St Mary de Crypt Church back into active use as a centre for children and young people.

More residential accommodation is planned in multiple locations
A number of other projects are planned, or even near completion, ranging from the Park View assisted living development on the junction of Trier Way to the Trompe L’Oeil artwork above B&M and Paddy Power, to the conversion of the former Job Centre to a new retail unit with flats above.

More residential accommodation is also planned at the long-term derelict Albion House opposite the Docks, the vacant office accommodation above Prezzo and at the former RAOB Club next to the Whitesmiths Arms.

Southgate House, the former Bank of England building, has also seen a lot of investment to modernise the reception area, which will help to let the remaining vacant offices so that more people will work as well as live in Southgate Street.

Great independent traders
As you move away from The Cross, Southgate Street has some great independent traders like The Cottage antiques shop, hairdressers like Kara’s, BeHair and Fringe Benefits as well as the Mode barber’s by the Docks. There are pubs, restaurants and the Tourist Information Centre. At the time of writing, the bench to commemorate the life of Hollie Gazzard was due to be installed. At Kimbrose Square, the Furniture Exhibition Centre actually has some of the city’s Roman Wall on display inside and the Kynebugh Tower (the CD rack to most people!) has a fascinating story behind it, even if you don’t like this piece of art.

So, Southgate Street already has a lot going for it and in the months ahead I think it’s going to get a good deal better.