Visitors to the public consultation event about proposals for a PureGym and B&M Store and Garden Centre at Kingsway have given the development a warm welcome.
Almost 70 people attended the exhibition about proposals for the redevelopment of the empty, three-acre, brownfield site south of the ASDA store in Newhaven Road, Quedgeley, Gloucester.
Of those who submitted feedback forms, an overwhelming 87% said they liked the proposals. Only three per cent expressed reservations.
Asked what benefits they perceived, those who submitted feedback mentioned local jobs, positive investment, the reuse of unused space, more local amenities and improved retail choice.
One Kingsway resident commented: “Fantastic to think that we will have a larger retail facility within close proximity rather than having to drive across town – hopefully more will follow. Great news!”
Another added: “I’m a member of PureGym already so excited to have this on my doorstep.”
A third said: “Excellent plans. I have been praying for this. Only a swimming pool and spa is missing – but I’ll continue praying.”
The exhibition, held on July 17 at Kingsway Community Centre, was organised by planning consultants RPS acting on behalf of landowner Robert Hitchins Ltd.
Senior Development Manager for Robert Hitchins, Michael Plimmer, thanked all those who took the time to visit. “We appreciate the feedback and the evident interest that local people showed,” he said.
Exploratory discussions have taken place with officers at Gloucester City Council. A planning application will be submitted in the next few months. There will be a further opportunity to comment on the proposals at that stage.
Kingsway has emerged on the 340-acre site of a former airfield. Quedgeley Urban Village Ltd obtained planning permission in 2003 for a mixed-use scheme, including 3,300 homes, a 40-acre employment site, community and leisure facilities, retail, sports area and primary school.
Since 2003, 2,500 homes and a primary school have been built by QUVL, a consortium including Robert Hitchins, Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey. The local centre includes a Tesco Express, pharmacy, estate agent, café, hairdesser and a pub. An ASDA store opened in 2013. A new surgery is under construction. QUVL has also constructed a community centre, sports pavilion, BMX track, sports fields and trim trail which were handed over to Gloucester City Council in August 2014.
