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Green Makeover set for Westgate Street

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Ambitious new plans have been unveiled to give a green makeover to one of the city’s most historic streets.

Westgate Street’s transformation continues thanks to the Cathedral Quarter High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), funded by Gloucester City Council and Historic England.

The street which boasts over 70 listed buildings, will see new trees introduced for shade, and planters installed with bio-diverse varieties to attract pollinators and help address air quality. 

Artwork that is in keeping with the street’s heritage will mark the entrances to Westgate Street and seating will be put in to encourage people to enjoy the new green scheme. 

Plans also include a Beatrix Potter Mouse trail to celebrate the city’s starring role in the Tailor of Gloucester, complete with bronze images of tailoring mice.

There will also be bronze plaques installed in the pavement to tell people more about the Westgate’s history and panels explaining the mosaics that are currently in place. 

HSHAZ is a £1.9million heritage led regeneration scheme to preserve and repair the street’s historic buildings and celebrate the streets rich heritage with cultural events and activities.

The proposals follow a consultation that took place last summer when a pocket park was placed on the street to encourage people to leave their feedback. 

Work is due to begin in late summer. 

Councillor Richard Cook, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “As a council we are committed to addressing climate change and greening the city is one of our key priorities. These plans will help make Westgate Street a more attractive and greener place for residents, businesses and visitors alike. It will also complement the multi-million pound regeneration that is currently taking place and transforming our city centre.”

Rebecca Barrett, Regional Director at Historic England, said: “It’s great to see Westgate’s heritage being cared for, refreshed, and celebrated through the new public realm design. Alongside the building and shopfront repairs already under way as part of the HSHAZ scheme, this will add vibrancy to historic Westgate.”  

See the final design. The plans are also on display in the Cathedral Quarter shop, 21 Westgate Street from 10am – 4pm until tomorrow (March 16). For more information contact cathedralquarter@gloucester.gov.uk