£1bn regeneration plan submitted

The docks is one of seven sites earmarked for improvement

The final draft for a £1bn building programme for Gloucester is due to go before decision makers on Friday.

Seven schemes are being put before the board of the Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company (URC), which is coordinating the development.

They include proposals for Kings Square, Gloucestershire College of Arts and Technology and the docks.

A period of consultation will follow together with market testing to ensure the proposals are commercially viable.

Flying start

The plans, drawn up by consultants Terrence O'Rourke Ltd include a sports stadium, three hotels and at least one multi-story car park.

There are also proposals to bring the city's nightlife up to date with new cafes, bars and restaurants.

URC chairman Greg Smith said: "These proposals will complement the city's great heritage and make it a wonderful place to call home and to visit.

"We are off to a flying start. I am pleased to be able to report that the Urban Regeneration Company has already identified the injection of £130m of public and private sector investment."

He promised that residents and businesses would be fully involved in the final stages of planning, with each of the seven key schemes being explained in detail throughout the summer.

The URC board will next meet on 28 July when the plans are likely to be finalised.