With its two major projects all but completing this year, Gloucester's King's Quarter has been named the best long-term regeneration initiative in the UK for 2025, winning a prestigious national award.
Seeing off competition from some of the biggest projects in the country – including major phases of London's £3 billion Wembley Park – King's Quarter was hailed by judges as 'a blueprint' for other town centres to follow, in the annual awards from national retail and leisure property organisation, Revo.
The organisers say the awards – known as The Revo's – are regarded as 'the benchmark for excellence' in the industry, showcasing 'excellence, innovation and achievement' from across the sector.
The Best Long-Term Regeneration Initiative award recognises 'creatively redefined existing assets, demonstrating clear strategy and delivery with measurable outcomes such as financial performance, footfall growth, or positive tenant and consumer feedback'.
Comprising The Forum, King's Walk Shopping Centre, King's Square and Gloucester Transport Hub, King's Quarter was selected for the 'outstanding' reimagining of the former Debenham's department store into the new University of Gloucestershire campus; alongside the delivery of 'vibrant and high quality' workspace at The Forum.
Judges praised the 'significant social and economic benefits' of the initiative, commenting that King's Quarter can serve as 'a blueprint for making town centres resilient, relevant and successful'.
Vivienne King, chair of the executive board at Revo, said: 'King’s Quarter is a fantastic example of how bold, creative thinking can act as a model to encourage local authorities to back their places with confidence and vision; and is a testament to the efforts of an exceptional team'.
Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester City Council – which led The Forum development – said: 'This is more wonderful news to celebrate about Gloucester. Winning this highly prestigious award is a huge achievement and a testament to the vision and hard work behind King’s Quarter and the Forum.
'To come out on top against major national projects like Wembley Park shows just how ambitious and transformative this development has been for our city. We’re proud to see Gloucester recognised on a national stage.'
