Evans Jones appointed to design gateway building in Gloucester city centre

• Posted by Karyn Middleton on 16th Jan ’09 at 09:17 GMT
• 1 comment

Evans Jones has been appointed by Landene Developments Ltd to design a replacement building for Spread Eagle Court, at the junction of Northgate Street, London Road and Bruton Way.

Spread Eagle Court was originally built as a hotel and Inn. The Inn was demolished in the 1970’s and now provides open parking.

Spread Eagle Court has had mixed fortunes in the intervening period, being used as a youth hostel and subsequently shops to the ground floor and serviced offices above.

The challenge for the architects is to conceive a new building which must preserve or enhance the character of the area.

John Everitt Architectural partner at Evans Jones LLP confirmed: “This is a landmark site which demands special attention. What I have sought to achieve for the site is an iconic landmark building which will be 100 percent privately funded. In the preparation of the initial concept schemes I have sought to ensure that the scheme will compliment the adjacent Bus Station and Kings Square redevelopment promoted by the City Council and GHURC.”

Spread Eagle Court currently contains a number of small shop units at ground floor level, with office accommodation on the floors above. About 80 percent of the building is occupied and the building is in a state of decline. This makes it unattractive to potential tenants and re-development is the most viable option in the medium term. It is proposed to replace Spread Eagle Court with a modern, purpose-built landmark building that will help to kick-start the regeneration of this part of the city.

The finished scheme aims to make the most of this prominent site, which is an important ‘gateway’ into the city centre. It is envisaged that the development will comprise a mixed use scheme including offices, shops and residential uses. A proportion of the residential units will be designated affordable units for the social rental sector. The site is adjacent to the Kings Square and Bus Station area which has been identified by Gloucester City Council as an area for focussed regeneration to create a new prosperous city for the 21st Century.

David Jones, Planning Partner with Evans Jones LLP confirmed: “We wish to ensure that the detailed designs are for an impressive and high-quality replacement building that local residents, business and visitors alike can be proud of and that will show that Gloucester city is forward looking and capable of attracting new business and investment into the area. With most privately funded new development being focussed in and around Gloucester Docks, this scheme provides a welcome opportunity to regenerate part of the City which has been in a state of decline now for many years.”

For further information please contact John Everitt on 01242 522822 or email john.everitt@evansjones.co.uk.