Posted on Wednesday 30th June 2010
The ‘amazing transformation’ of the former cattle market into the mixed-use St Oswald’s Park site has been recognised in a national competition.
Gloucester City Council was a finalist in the prestigious competition run by the Municipal Journal with the development featuring in the housing and regeneration category.
The entry charted the decade long plans of the city council to make sure that the 53 acre former rubbish tip became a landmark for the regeneration of Gloucester.
The scheme challenged accepted planning thinking of the time by bringing a major retail development – of the type which would normally be located on an out-of-town site – into the heart of Gloucester.
It boasts major retailers, has created more than 300 jobs, has 400 quality homes within walking distance of the city centre, includes a retirement village for 250 over 55’s along with leisure facilities and restaurants.
An innovative approach has also been taken to link the ‘walk routes’ from the development into the city centre.
City Council Leader, Paul James, commented: “This project shows our long-term commitment and determination to regenerate the city. Projects of this nature are complex and take time, but in the end it is all worth it. Along with developers and housing associations we have created a project of which we can all be rightly proud.
“Not only has this development transformed a former derelict site, it has also linked it to the city centre and provided a better setting for St Oswalds Priory – the city’s oldest monument - from which the scheme draws its name.”.
“ To have this work recognised at a national level is a real mark of achievement for all concerned.”
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Posted on Wednesday 30th June 2010