Plans in for Gloucester’s former Debenhams building

A planning application for the future of the former Debenhams building in Gloucester has been submitted, with the city’s university eyeing up a proposal.Lined up is transforming the site into a modern centre for teaching, learning and community partnerships for the University of Gloucestershire. This would include a university library, Student Helpzones and a dedicated faith space.The Students’ Union has also been involved in co-designing its headquarters on the ground floor, while on the lower ground floor a large lecture theatre will act as a conferencing and exhibition space.It is hoped that the project would play a “vital role” in both the regeneration of the city centre and supporting the establishment’s ambitious plans for growth – both in student numbers and course portfolio.Many of the university’s courses are considered crucial to the health, quality of life and economic success of the region, including nursing and education. The new campus will provide facilities to train these professionals.The first staff and students are set to begin accessing teaching facilities from September 2023, subject to approval being secured.A multi-disciplined design team led by ADP Architecture has worked closely with staff and students at the University to finalise the phase one plans. They will work with recently appointed contractor, the Morgan Sindall Group, to bring the vision to life.The project manager is Ridge and Partners LLP.