The area of Gloucester which has seen the biggest change in recent years has been the Docks and Quays. It’s easy to forget just how much it has been transformed. The Docks used to be comprised of largely derelict warehouses and a sea of tarmac car parking. Gloucester Quays a decade ago was a collection of low value industrial uses.

The City Council was one of the first occupiers at the Docks in the late 1980s, with the aim of spearheading the area’s regeneration. Other early arrivals include Dr Fosters Pub and the two museums. The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum has recently undergone a major refurbishment and the Waterways Museum is part way through one.

Such a desirable place to live
In more recent times, restaurants like Vinings and the Barge Arm have opened, alongside cafes on land and on the water. The Docks is such a desirable place to live now, with many of the Victorian warehouses having been converted to stylish apartments and new builds having taken place, that it has its own estate agents – Naylor Powell – and hairdressers – Head Kandy and Studio 1.

The area will continue to change. There are plans for the vacant building next to the Soldiers’ Museum to be converted to a number of restaurants. Peel Group will be turning the former car park outside the Waterways Museum into a new public square. Planning consent has just been granted to develop the long-term derelict Bakers Quay with a hotel, restaurants and bars, and 166 new apartments. There are still hurdles to overcome but work could start on site in the summer.

Let’s not forget Tommi Nielsen’s boatyard, which brings some wonderful ships in for repair, using their remarkable craftsmanship. Wouldn’t it be great if we had a Tall Ship permanently in the Docks?

I know some people think the Docks has had too much attention at the expense of the city centre. In reality, the City Council devotes more money and resources to the city centre, with much more to come. But the Docks and Quays are jewels in our crown and we should make the most of them.