28th May 2010
Linkages to the city centre
SWRDA confirmed its investment in Gloucester’s Economic Linkages Docks in its 2009/10 and 2010/11 capital budget allocations
New temporary signage installed August 2009
Confirmation of final project funding approval to linkages obtained 16th October 2009 from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)
Route 1 etc. Tenders returned 28th October 2009
Contract awarded to Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd, 30th November 2009. Commenced on site 24th February 2010 with completion currently programmed for 19th October 2010
Tom Price selected to develop public Artwork for the New Kimbrose Square following Design Review Panel assessment of five shortlisted artists’ proposals on 3rd March 2010
Gloucester Quays City Centre Linkages Route 1 Position Statement.
14th May 2010.
General Progress: Due to a number of unforeseen circumstances the expected completion date is now 19th October 2010.
Kimbrose Way.
Kimbrose Way remains closed to traffic. All northbound traffic approaching Kimbrose Triangle is diverted at St Anne’s Way to the South West bypass and to Westgate Island. The Park & Ride Service will also follow this route. There is still access to the Docks Car Park and Stagecoach bus service will turn right into Parliament Street to a new bus stop in front of the Climbing Warehouse. Kimbrose Way will become two-way and will be reopened on 28th June.
A new temporary ramp for disabled access is being provided at the Dental Practice.
Kimbrose Square.
The area in front of the Court and the Dental Practice is now proceeding at a pace. 8 new tree positions have been located and there will be a further 24 trees provided as part of the Docks development.
There have been a number of problems in proceeding with the Art wall, including services, and not least because of the discovery of human skeletons from the Middle Ages. The sinking of piles for the Art Wall will resume week commencing 17 May.
Ladybellegate Street junction.
Grouting commenced on the new paving at Ladybellgate Street which will be preceded with new drainage which will involve a road crossing. The Park & Ride buses will turn left as they approach from the Quay and the bus stop will be at the Longsmith Street end of Ladybellegate.
Southgate Street.
Southgate Street is now closed to all vehicles. It will remain closed as a consequence of the permanent traffic order although Park and Ride bus service will return to this route at the end of construction. Access to Southgate Street for deliveries, both the closed section and the existing pedestrian area, will be via Longsmith Street.
Northbound deliveries should follow the diversion referred to in the closure of Kimbrose Way and approach from the north. Southbound deliveries will be advised to approach via Westgate Street, Upper Quay Street and Longsmith Street.
The existing one way at Longsmith Street will be suspended for the purpose of deliveries.
The new kerbs are now in place in lower Southgate Street and the road will soon be surfaced so that pedestrians can be diverted onto this route whilst we pave up to the buildings on either side. Access to premises will be maintained.
Parliament Street.
A new build out for the bus stop has been built in Parliament Street for the diverted Stagecoach Service. There is some drainage work outstanding in this area.
Commercial Road.
Demolition of the old Clutch Clinic has begun in Commercial Road to make way for the new Language Immersion Centre.
Route 1 (through the Docks)
Following confirmation of project funding 16/10/09, SWRDA have appointed Cheltenham based Britannia Construction Ltd to carry out the next phase of public realm works which relates to the area around Victoria Basin and completes the pedestrian link between The Quays and the City centre. Work commenced on site 23rd November 2009. Scheduled completion July 2010
Southgate Moorings
Discussions continue with Ecclesiastical Insurance Group concerning their development of a new headquarters building – formal announcement on their Board’s intentions now anticipated in June 2010.
Waterways Museum
GHURC now participating in the management group which meets monthly and is beginning to work well. Recruiting and managing volunteers to support the paid staff is a key priority to ensure a sustainable operation.
The management Group has prepared a Vision Statement. The new local focus will require renaming of the Museum to reflect its regional and local significance.
The Museum report a successful year 2009-10 with visitor numbers 49% better than budgeted
27 / 29 Commercial Road
Revised proposals were presented to Design Review Panel 14th March 2008 – this incorporated redevelopment of British Waterways (BW) owned 23/25 Commercial Road.
SWRDA selection of development partner now proposed following implementation of Phase 2 public realm enhancement work
SWRDA are currently preparing revised development briefs for 27/29 Commercial Road, following their acquisition of 23/25 Commercial Rd from BW in March 2010
Barge Arm East
Café Tucci opened 20th June 2009
Cafe Corretta opened 1st May 2010
Unit A overlooking Shipton Square recently let to a regional restaurant operator. Opening date still tbc
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Barge Arm & East
Naylor Powell Estate Agents (unit 1) opened new offices from September 2007 – relocation from Merchants Quay.
Head Kandy, New hairdressing salon (unit 4) opened in April 2008
Café Tucci opened 20th June 2009
Cafe Corretta opened 1st May 2010
Unit A overlooking Shipton Square recently let to a regional restaurant operator. Opening date still tbc
Merchants Quay
A New Application for demolition of the existing building and making good Philpot’s Warehouse together with the erection of new build was submitted by Crest Nicholson 13 May 09 and includes 48 new residential apartments and ground floor leisure use
The City planning committee agreed proposals subject to detailed conditions in August 2009. Demolition work commenced 24th April 2010. New build works anticipated to commence in June
West Quay Phase 2
BW reported that the Masterplan prepared by “New Master Planning” remains on hold.
Heritage Interpretation Plan
A brief has been prepared for implementation of approved directional signage and heritage interpretation reflecting the LDA linkages report
Cost proposals for signage now being finalised
New direction signs for the Docks agreed