City's nightlife could get much-needed revamp
BBCA street known for nightlife could get a much-needed revamp as part of a citywide masterplan.
Lower Eastgate Street is one of the areas of Gloucester identified by the city council in a blueprint for developing the area over the next 20 years.
The street known for the night-time economy is in need of "complete reconditioning", according to council chiefs, which could include street greening, landscaping and improved pedestrian spaces.
Justin Hudson, who runs Butlers bar, said it had been a "long-held dream" to pedestrianise, re-green and revitalise Lower Eastgate Street, which would "transform this historic and important gateway into our city".
Gloucester City Council wants to strengthen the street as a "vibrant" destination for businesses, visitors, and residents, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The council could redevelop the car parks in Hampden Way to deliver new city centre housing, according to the new city masterplan.
Andrew Hearne, the council's head of place, said: "So many people have said, 'get our city centre sorted'.
He said Lower Eastgate Street, which he described as "the night time street for Gloucester" needed a "complete reconditioning".
He explained the street could not be pedestrianised due to the transport links, but said its opening hours to traffic could be reduced as has been done elsewhere.
Improving streets with trees, seating and more space for pedestrians can also bring in new businesses and encourage current establishments to sign longer leases, Hearne explained.
Lower Eastgate Street is one of the "biggest opportunities" to make these improvements, he added.
Hudson said investment in the street was needed to match the amount of time and money businesses dedicate to maintaining and improving their premises.
"I have spent many years working alongside various councils, officers and city partners discussing something that has long been close to my heart: bringing Lower Eastgate Street properly back into the fold of Gloucester city centre," he said.
He said improving the street would breed "confidence, pride and respect" and also encourage landlords who haven't done so for to show the love their buildings deserve.
"Let's re-green Lower Eastgate Street, reconnect it with the heart of our city centre, and give this iconic Gloucester street the investment, attention and love it deserves."
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