Gloucester City Council has been awarded £486,000 from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The funding has been allocated to thirteen projects, which support growth and investment to make Gloucester a more successful city.

The major project will be the creation of a new master plan set to unlock areas of potential for prospective investors and developers, in a move to plan long-term for Gloucester’s growth.

It will consider the challenges facing the city in areas such as lower Eastgate Street, and how the council and its partners can spread the benefits from the huge regeneration taking place in schemes such as Kings Quarter.

The projects that will receive funding are:
• Supporting young entrepreneurs to set up businesses in empty city centre properties.
• City centre wayfinding signage to make the city more attractive and easier to navigate for visitors and residents.
• Gardening team to improve small green spaces to help attract visitors and tourists.
• Advice and support for start-ups and small businesses at Gloucester’s Growth Hub.
• A scheme to address empty shops by helping cultural and arts organisations to run pop-ups to encourage visitors.
• Support for those who struggle to access or use digital technology.
• A project looking at attracting students to Gloucester then strengthening cultural and employment links so that they stay here after graduating.
• Development of a major celebratory cultural programme to mark the 200th anniversary of the Gloucester Docks.
• Funding for Gloucester Nature Park transforming undeveloped land along the River Severn into a thriving nature park.
• Future vision for the Museum of Gloucester to be considered by a new Citizens Jury.
• A new Cultural Strategy for the city looking at how to grow the city’s cultural and creative sector.
• Improving city centre shop fronts.
• A Master plan for the city promoting future investment and development.