The ambitious transformation of Gloucester's Greyfriars Quarter into a vibrant new destination for culture, community and business is one step closer to becoming reality this September 2026.
Gloucester City Council has now submitted a planning application for the project's first phase, which includes the refurbishment of buildings, the creation of a new outdoor space and the relocation of Eastgate Market.
The first CGI artist's impressions of the development since the project was first proposed in 2023 show how the interior and exterior of the first phase elements will look in greater detail.
The plans aim to breath new life into Eastgate Market, creating a 'bright, welcoming' space for shoppers and traders, along with a food court, at a new location in Bell Walk, where preliminary works to gut former shops have already taken place in recent months.
The first phase will also includes the refurbishment of Addison's Folly and the former Pavilion Bowls Club building, preparing both properties for future commercial or community uses.
A new outside area on the site of the former Pavilion bowling green will also be created, providing an 'attractive' green space for the community, alongside improved pedestrian access to the Greyfriars Quarter and surrounding city centre destinations.
The initial phase also includes agreements with Historic England and English Heritage to support and fund external restoration works to 'two of Gloucester's most important heritage assets', the Greyfriars Monument and Greyfriars House, helping to safeguard the buildings for future generations.
Proposals for the site's planned performance venue are not included in phase one. The council says detailed design work on the venue will continue over the coming months, with a separate planning application expected to be submitted later this year.
Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: 'The submission of this planning application is a hugely significant moment for the Greyfriars Project and for Gloucester.
'This is a brilliant opportunity to breathe new life into an important and historic part of our city centre. By investing in heritage, public spaces, culture and community facilities, we are creating a destination that honours Gloucester's past while supporting its future.
'The brand new relocated indoor market will create a 21st Century space for small retailers to trade from and will drive footfall and help boost trade also in the Eastgate Shopping Centre.
'Phase 1 lays the foundations for the wider vision, creating new opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors and helping to establish Greyfriars as a vibrant and thriving quarter of the city.'
The application is due to be considered by the council's planning committee in October 2026, while it has previously been suggested the new market could open as soon as spring 2027.
