As Spring is arriving fast, so too are we nearing the completion of the much-anticipated Kings Square. A £5 million project funded by the Council, with works mostly carried out by local building company EG Carter, has seen the area completely remodeled over the past 18 months. Any day now, the final touches will be done and we can look forward to making use of this wonderfully renewed public space in the heart of the city.

The granite structures around the edge of the Square are created by an artist and inspired by the Severn bore – the tidal waves created by the funneling effect of the River Severn at high tides. These shapes, enclosing borders of trees, shrubs and other plants, are echoed by a beautiful array of fountains that also mimic the waves. The fountains will be controlled and sequenced with music and lights to create some stunning displays.

A full weekend of entertainment

A group of creative programmers have been working with The Music Works and Strike a Light to develop an exciting launch programme of events that will take place from May onward – almost 50 years to the day that the Square was last opened. We anticipate a full weekend of entertainment consisting of music, light and, of course, the new fountains that will grace the area. After that the team at the city council are working with a group of partners to animate the Square with a programme of activity throughout the year. Expect entertainment, performances, music and more.

The rest of the area is continuing to develop apace and the completion of the Square will be the first major aspect of the wider Kings Quarter and Forum development that the city has invested in. On the other side will be the new University campus in the former Debenhams buildings. With up to 4,500 students ultimately planned to study here, it will be a welcome space for them to get fresh air, shop for food and drink, or simply take a break.

All of these improvements to Gloucester make it a better place to live, attracting new business to Gloucester, resulting in a prosperous and ambitious city. I hope that residents make the most of this fabulous new space to meet, socialise and enjoy with their families and friends.