Blackfriars to house language hub

Part of the Priory will be turned into a concert hall

A £5m language centre is to be built on the Blackfriars site in Gloucester.

The historic site is to become the new cultural and creative focus of the city centre with a public square surrounded by speciality shops, hotel and offices.

Paths from the docks to the cathedral and River Severn will be revamped, a new civic quarter will be created and a concert hall built in the Priory.

The language centre will offer diplomas for 14 to 19-year-olds as well as being used for adult education.

Jackie Hall, deputy leader of Gloucestershire County Council said: "This is really good news for Gloucester.

Secure investment

"This site is complex and we know we have a tough challenge ahead of us, but I really believe that it will be worth it in the end."

The council has been working with the South West Regional Development Agency (RDA), Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company (GHURC) and the University of Gloucestershire on the project.

Earlier this month the University of Gloucestershire announced it was pulling out of plans to move onto the Blackfriars development saying funding cuts and a cap on student numbers were responsible.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patricia Broadfoot said: "Losing our presence at Blackfriars is a big blow."

Chris Oldershaw, chief executive of GHURC, said: "The language immersion centre forms an integral part of the regeneration of Blackfriars, bringing life and activity back to the area and restoring Blackfriars as a place of learning - as it was hundreds of years ago."

The site for the language centre is owned by the RDA, which has already carried out archaeological investigations so the design of the building can begin.

The council will need to buy the land and hopes to secure investment from the RDA to cover the costs of buying and preparing the site for development.

The next step will be proposals submitted to government for final approval.