Kier has been appointed by Gloucester City Council and Reef Group to build a digital campus in Gloucester named ‘The Forum’ with construction expected to begin in March
Construction work by Kier is soon to begin on the Forum – a city-centre digital campus close to GCHQ in Gloucester that will boast a variety of facilities including:
- 35,000 sq. ft. of Grade A workspace for tech firms
- a 130 room 4* hotel
- rooftop restaurant and bar
- state-of-the-art digital conference facilities
- a wellness centre
- a member’s club
- 43 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments
- new cafes, bars and restaurants at street level
Regeneration
The cost is expected to be in the region of £107m with £5 million of funding accessed from the the government’s levelling-up fund. The government wants to put money into regeneration projects of town centres and new transport infrastructure across the country.
The £5 million will go into The Forge – a high-tech ‘incubator’ hub for fledgling businesses in the tech and digital sectors based at The Forum.
The digital campus is part of the wider generation of the city of Gloucester – in particular the King’s Quarter regeneration, which will deliver two acres of pedestrianised public space.
Local economy
By focussing on local supply chains to deliver the digital Campus, Kier will be putting money back into the local economy – ensuring jobs and investment remain in Gloucester.
In addition, the contractor will providing training and job opportunities via a physical and virtual on-site learning hub. The hub will remain on-site following completion of the digital campus so that local residents and businesses will have continued support. There will also be career opportunities on campus.
The digital campus will mainly attract tech businesses from start-ups to big occupiers. It is expected that the Forum will be making waves in digital innovation as one of the most digitally connected and cyber-secure developments in the country.
‘The digital campus is going to be at the cutting edge of tech innovation’
Esther Croft, development director at Reef Group, said:
“Kier’s commitment to sustainability, learning and employment opportunities and connection to Gloucestershire made them the ideal contractor to deliver The Forum.
“The digital campus is going to be at the cutting edge of tech innovation and will provide attractive workspaces for the next generation of tech talent in the UK.
“The project is progressing at pace and will be a fantastic addition to the city, retaining graduate talent as well as appealing to tech professionals looking to relocate.”
‘A unique and enduring legacy’
Andy Bolas, regional director for Kier Construction Western & Wales, commented:
“Working with Gloucester City Council and Reef Group, we look forward to delivering this flagship digital centre which is set to be a beacon for technology and cyber security businesses in the south west.
“Over 85% of the project team are based in Gloucestershire which means we will utilise our local knowledge, skills and supply chain partners to complete this project.
“The learning hub is also a unique and enduring legacy which aims to provide sustainable job and training opportunities for the Gloucester community.
‘Making a reality of our vision of Gloucester’
Councillor Richard Cook, leader of Gloucester City Council, added:
“The appointment of Kier represents a significant milestone in bringing forward The Forum, and making a reality of our vision of Gloucester as a hub for the digital and cyber sectors.
“As well as attracting new investment into the city, The Forum will be an inspiring and attractive place for residents and visitors, completely transforming what was formerly a tired part of the city.”
By summer 2024 it is expected that the Forum will be completed. Reef Group has appointed agents JLL and Bruton Knowles to target local, national, and international tech occupiers.
For further information on The Forum visit www.forumdigital.co.uk
