‘Teething problems’ hit Gloucester’s £107m The Forum project
The project is a key part of Gloucester City centre's regeneration.
Gloucester’s £107m The Forum project is facing unexpected “teething problems” as city chiefs say its opening is behind schedule.
The King’s Quarter development which is designed to provide 135,000 sq ft of premium office space, retail space, restaurants, a Hotel Indigo and a rooftop bar and multi-storey car park is Gloucester CIty Council’s flagship project.
The new landmark is key to the city centre’s regeneration and the project is being driven by the council in partnership with developer Reef Group.
It has vibrant facades, inspired by the cloisters at nearby Gloucester Cathedral, which are now on full display.
The design of the 1,324 aluminium and glass panels is intended to be both contemporary and show respect for the city’s architectural heritage.
The building also features an innovative media façade, a 17-metre high and nine-metre wide LED lighting system, integrated into the walls of The Forum.
Journalists were invited to have a look around the city centre site in October last year as council chiefs said the project was “nearing completion”.
However, more than eight months later, city leaders now say the project is behind schedule.
However, they would not reveal what the actual issues are.
Council chiefs were asked for an update on the project at this week’s overview and scrutiny committee meeting.
Chairman Andrew Gravells (C, Abbeydale) asked about the financial situation of The Forum.
“Is it working out as it was expected to, in terms of financial contributions and developer contributions?”.
Deputy leader and resources cabinet member Declan Wilson (LD, Hucclecote) confirmed there had been issues with the project.
“All I can say about that is it’s behind schedule which is causing us a problem,” he said.
“But as regards lettings etc, it’s going better than expected.
“It’s like all big projects. They are never quite complete to the date you are expecting to.
“As regards The Forum itself, we would have liked to have been able to be in a position to open it sooner than will be the case. There are teething problems.”
He said he was not sure how much more he could say about the issues.
Cllr Gravells wanted to ask another question but was not sure if he was allowed to.
The monitoring officer asked what it was and whether it was commercially sensitive. Cllr Gravells said he was advised to ask his question in writing.
“The word is snagging. I think I can say that,” Cllr Wilson said.