Derelict or empty buildings set to help tackle housing shortage

The ambitious plan which could see almost 200 new homes created, will provide much needed housing and give a lift to the city centre economy by bringing more people to live in the heart of the city.

If given the go-ahead at this month’s cabinet meeting, derelict sites and unloved buildings will be earmarked for housing, in a move that will regenerate brown field sites close to or within the city centre. 

The plan will continue the massive regeneration taking place across the city, which includes the £200 million regeneration of Kings Quarter with the council’s partners Reef Group and the University of Gloucestershire.

The list of empty buildings and eyesores that the council could bring back into use includes the former Fortis Insurance building at 67-69 London Road, in Kingsholm.

Boarded up and empty for over a decade, the site could be used to provide up to 60 homes. The council has previously made attempts to work with the owner but if given the backing by cabinet, officers will push ahead with either supporting redevelopment or consider using a compulsory purchase order to buy the site.

Also on the list is 106-114 Northgate Street known as Spread Eagle Court, that has also been empty for several years and has fallen into disrepair.

The building, which could be used for around 40 homes is on the Councils ‘Local List’ of important heritage assets, and is near to the transformation taking place at Kings Square.

20-26 The Oxbode, opposite the university’s new campus in the former Debenhams, has also been identified for housing.

If converted, retail units will be retained on the ground floor, with the upper floors being converted to provide up to six apartments.

The council owned Wessex House between the Railway Station and Gloucester Royal Hospital will be considered for 45 new homes.

While the second phase of Whitefriars is to be made a priority, with the development of 32 apartments on the former Thai restaurant site on Market Parade.

Currently work is taking place to prepare it for development and council officers are being tasked with looking at different options to bring the site forward.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Bringing these five sites forward to create more urban living is the next step in regenerating the area close to or in the Kings Quarter. Not only will this plan help to tackle some of these problem sites such as Spread Eagle Court and 67-69 London Road, that are becoming real eyesores but it will also bring more people into the city adding to the vibrancy of Gloucester and supporting local businesses. It will also help to address the very real lack of housing, which is another of our key priorities and this will be a very important step in the right direction.”