TODAY central government has announced funding to kick start regeneration of Quayside and Blackfriars in Gloucester.

A joint bid was made by Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucester City Council for the transformational project covering 2.53 hectares of prime city centre land – the size of just over two and a half rugby pitches – after they agreed to work together last May.

The money will be used to bring the brownfield site up to a standard to attract developers and investors, which will in turn benefit the 300 businesses already established in the city centre.

The work will begin later this year to improve the existing ground conditions as well as ensure gas, electric and water connections are suitable for development.

Archaeological investigations will also take place. No existing business premises will be affected.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council said: “Today’s announcement means that we can now begin to make our masterplan a reality, unlocking around £135m of further investment for Quayside and Blackfriars.

"It’s the first chapter in the transformation of this area, helping to keep our city and county punching above its weight. We’ve a strong track record of regeneration in Gloucester and this is fantastic news for the city.”

Cllr Paul James, leader of Gloucester City Council said: ““The regeneration of the Blackfriars and Quayside area has evaded the city for a generation.

"This announcement is a massive step forward. When combined with the masterplanning work we are doing on the area with the county council and the recent sale of the prison, it shows the prospects for transforming the area are the brightest they have been for a long time.

“Blackfriars and Quayside is a significant and historic area, linking the Docks, the Cathedral and the River Severn.

"Its regeneration, bringing more people to live and work in the city centre and attracting more visitors, will be a huge boost for the local economy.”

Work is continuing to develop the masterplan, which will be revealed to the public, developers and investors in March.