The Forum development in Gloucester has been nominated as a Commercial Development of the Year due to its impact on the city centre, innovative design and sustainable credentials.
This £107 million project combines 135,000 square feet of Grade A office space, a 131-room Hotel Indigo with rooftop bar, 19 award-winning apartments, retail units and a 398-space sustainable car park.
Its integration of commercial, leisure and residential elements has revitalised Gloucester's former King’s Quarter into a digital and business hub. Supported by £20 million in Levelling Up funding, the development is an example of a successful public-private partnership, with Gloucester City Council and Reef Group delivering a future-ready commercial building.
About the project:
The Forum achieved BREEAM Excellent certification for environmental performance and Net-zero carbon operation through air source heat pumps and low-energy systems. The energy-efficient apartment design won Small Residential Development of the Year at the 2024 South West Residential Property Awards.
It was 70% preleased before completion, anchored by Fasthosts' headquarters relocation, and created more than 250 high-skilled jobs through anchor tenants. The building helped to position Gloucester as a tech hub, due to its closeness to GCHQ and the National Cyber Security Centre.
What the judges said:
“The impact of this scheme on its local city is the reason for selecting this over other landmark developments in Bristol and Bath as those are delivered in established and highly developed markets whereas the Forum has been delivered into a difficult regional market and has the opportunity to significantly alter the appeal of Gloucester as a location,” said Chris Grazier at Hartnell Taylor Cook
“The Forum bridges the gap between Gloucester Station and the city centre with an innovative, mixed development consisting of both much-needed Grade A office space, hotel rooms and sustainable parking," said Ytzen van der Werf, UWE Bristol, adding that the views to the cathedral were similar to those in Rome or Paris.
“A very impressive office building and design which really stands out in the city landscape. Providing a very high standard of office space in a limited office market, Gloucester is very lucky to have such product which I understand is letting well. [It] will impact surrounding occupiers and services and encourage staff back to to the office," said Hollie Ruddle from Avison Young.
They made it happen:
Peter Langly-Smith, development director at Reef Group; Ian Wills, director-office agency at JLL; Dorian Wragg, partner and head of commercial at Bruton Knowles; and Jeremy Hilton, the leader of the council and cabinet member for regeneration.