The pace of regeneration in the city centre has slowed down in the first half of this year – for obvious reasons. But in the last quarter of this year it should start to pick up again, as long as the virus doesn’t re-establish itself in the city.

Work by the railway station, involving a new car park exit onto Metz Way and a redesigned underpass from Great Western Road to the front of the station, should begin later this year as funding has finally been received. A contractor has been appointed and it is expected that the work will be completed by the middle of 2021.

Across Bruton Way, the car park and Bentinck House have already been demolished and work will be starting in the autumn on building a new shop with apartments above, as the first phase of the redevelopment of Kings Quarter. Several other phases will follow, which will include affordable housing, a new car park, hotel, along with some retail outlets and restaurants.

A mixed use Kings Quarter

There is an overall expected cost of nearly £100 million for the entire project. The aim is to create a mixed use Kings Quarter, which will offer residential, office and retail accommodation to ensure the city centre remains occupied all day long. At present, the plan is that the entire redevelopment should complete in late 2023.

Work on remodelling of Kings Square will also start after a new contractor has been appointed. The proposed layout of Kings Square has already appeared in the press with its sweeping granite curves for seating and planters, and the fountain modelled on the Severn bore, all equipped with inbuilt lighting to create the mood. This will be used in part as an event space, but also to visit and watch the world go by. Again, the mixed use of the space is designed to keep people in the city centre for longer.

Work will also be taking place in the Kings Walk shopping centre to build a changing places toilet – long needed in the city centre. This should be completed in November this year.

So keep safe, and keep your friends, neighbours and others safe by conforming to social distancing requirements, wearing masks when necessary and washing hands. Together we can keep the virus at bay and try to ensure our city remains safe for all the redevelopment to take place.