Break-ins at Gloucester ‘eyesore’ prompt action from council
Several people have complained over antisocial behaviour and unauthorised access to the vacant Spread Eagle Court
Last updated 23rd Jun 2025
A Gloucester city centre “eyesore” will be secured to stop people from trespassing and further vandalising the building.
Several people have complained to Gloucester City Council over antisocial behaviour and unauthorised access to the vacant Spread Eagle Court in Northgate Street.
And City Council officers have now inspected the privately-owned building and found several hazards and forced entry points.
They issued a formal enforcement notice earlier this month requiring the property’s owners to make the building secure within a week.
However,the deadline passed without the necessary work being completed. And now the City Council is stepping in to carry out the work to safeguard the property.
Gloucester City Council leader Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton), who has long raised concerns about the derelict building, confirmed work to make the site safe is expected to take place shortly.
“Spread Eagle Court is privately owned and currently in a severe state of neglect,” he said.
“The landlord has failed to maintain the building, raising serious concerns given its architectural value and location within a conservation area.
“The City Council has received multiple complaints regarding anti-social behaviour and unauthorised access to the vacant property.
“Upon inspection, several forced entry points and hazardous conditions were identified.
“As a result, a formal enforcement notice was issued, requiring the property owners to make the building safe and secure within seven days.
“This deadline has passed without the necessary work being completed.
“Consequently, the council is now stepping in to carry out the essential work to safeguard Spread Eagle Court from further damage and trespass. Securing the building is expected to take place shortly.”