Green Light for Exciting Transformation of Eastgate Shopping Centre and Market
A bold new vision for Eastgate Shopping Centre has officially been given the go-ahead, following the government’s latest budget announcement confirming £11 million in funding for Gloucester. The ambitious plans form part of Gloucester City Council’s wider regeneration strategy and will see the creation of a vibrant new Greyfriars Quarter in the heart of the city.
The transformative project will breathe new life into the area around Eastgate Shopping Centre, complementing the city’s ongoing multi-million-pound regeneration. The proposals include a complete revamp and reimagining of the shopping centre and market spaces, blending heritage with modern use.
A key feature of the new vision is the relocation and redesign of the current Eastgate Market Hall. The new-look market will be moved to a different part of the centre and redesigned to open directly onto a landscaped courtyard garden, creating a contemporary yet welcoming environment for shoppers and traders alike.
Meanwhile, the existing market space will be refurbished and repurposed to become a multi-purpose performance venue, offering space for music, dance, fitness, leisure, and community events. This flexible area is expected to become a vibrant hub for city life and culture.
In addition, the plans include serviced apartments to provide unique city-centre accommodation, as well as flexible workspace within the refurbished 18th-century house next to the historic Greyfriars Monastery. These new additions will blend seamlessly with the city’s heritage and offer new reasons for people to live, work, and stay in the centre.
The surrounding Greyfriars grounds will be transformed into a welcoming urban park, complete with gardens, an outdoor gym, children’s play area, and a cycle hub, making Eastgate a destination not just for shopping, but for leisure and community life.
Councillor Jeremy Hilton, Leader of Gloucester City Council, said:
“We’re delighted that this exciting scheme can now start gaining some momentum. This investment will allow us to begin regenerating that part of the city centre to bring it in line with the other areas that have already received massive investment.
City centres are evolving into spaces where people not only work and shop but choose to live and enjoy their leisure time. It’s essential for Gloucester to keep pace with these changes. This is another piece in the jigsaw along with The Forum, Kings Square, and the Food Dock all supported by the council, ensuring that Gloucester remains a lively and inviting place to visit.”
Eastgate Shopping Centre will continue to trade as normal while plans are developed and finalised, with further updates to be shared in the coming months.
