Gloucester’s £107 million mixed-use regeneration scheme, The Forum, officially opened its doors on Friday 15 May 2026 – with leaders hailing the development as a 'transformational' moment for the city's future.
Fully operational for more than a month, Gloucestershire business leaders, civic figures and project partners celebrated the landmark city centre development, hosted by Reef + Partners and Gloucester City Council.
The ribbon was cut by the Mayor of Gloucester, councillor Ashley Bowkett, who praised the years of work behind the ambitious project and highlighted the long-term impact it is expected to have on the city.
He said: ‘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.’
Situated next to Kings Square and the University of Gloucestershire’s City Campus, The Forum has been hailed as one of the most significant regeneration projects Gloucester has seen in decades.
The scheme combines Grade A office space, Hotel Indigo Gloucester, retail and leisure units, as well as residential apartments, with businesses including Fasthosts and flexible workspace operator Patch already operating from the development.
Momentum around the project has accelerated in recent months following the official opening of Hotel Indigo Gloucester in March 2026, with organisers revealing the boutique hotel secured more than 1,000 bookings before opening day.
The celebrations continued into the evening with the launch party for four-star Hotel Indigo Gloucester bringing together Gloucestershire business leaders, project partners and representatives from international hotel group IHG.
Reef + Partners managing director Peter Langly-Smith described the development as ‘a real vote of confidence in the city’s future’.
He said: ‘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.’
