Business leaders, project partners and civic figures gathered to celebrate the official opening of The Forum last Friday [15th May], marking a major milestone in Gloucester’s ongoing regeneration.
Hosted by Reef + Partners and Gloucester City Council, the event welcomed guests from across the city and beyond to celebrate the completion of the landmark £107m mixed-use development in the heart of Gloucester.
Widely regarded as one of the most significant regeneration schemes in Gloucester’s recent history, The Forum is already playing a central role in attracting investment, businesses and visitors into the city centre.
The event invited guests to reflect on the transformational impact The Forum has had on the city and the part it will play in Gloucester’s future.
Whilst the building has opened in phases over the past few years – with businesses including Patch and Fasthosts now operating from the site – the event marked the official opening of the mixed-use city centre space.
The ribbon was cut by Mayor of Gloucester, Cllr Ashley Bowkett, who said: “I want to thank everyone who has helped bring The Forum to this point, the many people across many years who worked through the detail so that we could stand here today and celebrate the result.
“The real success of this place will be seen in the years ahead: in the businesses that grow here, the visitors who return here, the young people who find work here, and the confidence it helps spread through the rest of the city centre.
“As Mayor of Gloucester, I am delighted to mark the official opening of The Forum today.”
Momentum around The Forum has accelerated in recent months following the opening of Hotel Indigo in March. The 129-room boutique hotel attracted strong interest ahead of launch, with more than 1,000 bookings secured before opening day, underlining the growing excitement surrounding Gloucester’s landmark regeneration development.
Like many major office developments across the UK, occupation at The Forum is progressing in phases as businesses adapt to changing workplace patterns. The scheme continues to attract interest from organisations seeking high-quality, sustainable city-centre workspace, as well as interest from leisure and hospitality, including a new independent coffee shop which will open later this year.
Peter Langly-Smith, Managing Director at Reef + Partners, said: “The Forum represents a major step forward for Gloucester and a real vote of confidence in the city’s future. From the beginning, the ambition was to create a destination that brings new energy into the city centre – somewhere people want to work, stay, visit and invest in.
“It’s fantastic to see that vision becoming a reality, with businesses already thriving on site and strong interest from new occupiers. The Forum will play an important role in supporting Gloucester’s continued growth and creating opportunities for years to come.”
Guests at the event included representatives from Gloucester City Council, Reef + Partners, tenants including Patch and Fasthosts, Hotel Indigo and Forum Coffee, along with contractors and project partners involved in delivering the development.
Delivered by Gloucester City Council in partnership with Reef + Partners, The Forum development brings together Grade A office space, a 129-bedroom Hotel Indigo, retail and leisure space, and high-quality residential apartments.
Situated adjacent to Kings Square and the University of Gloucestershire’s new city centre campus, The Forum is designed to attract investment, support business growth and strengthen Gloucester’s position as a vibrant destination for work, leisure and city living.
The development also benefits from excellent transport connectivity, located just a short walk from Gloucester train and bus stations.
