Further delays hit £107m regeneration project

A city's £107m flagship regeneration project has been hit with further delays, as council bosses have confirmed a new hotel will not open until 2026.

Gloucester City Council has not explained the reasons behind the latest hold up to the King's Quarter, but a spokesperson said the opening of Hotel Indigo has been pushed back from November to next year.

Once complete, the King's Quarter project – which includes the Forum - will provide 135,000sq ft (12,541 sq m) of office space, shops, restaurants, and a multi-storey car park.

A council spokesperson described the latest delay as a "snagging" issue, which was identified by contractors as an isolated problem.

The discovery of an unmapped 24-inch gas main previously held up the project, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Council bosses said this required complex repair work. Then, workers found the remains of a 13th Century Friary which triggered an archaeological excavation.

"The multi-storey car park and public open spaces are due to open in the autumn, and with recruitment well under way, the timeline for welcoming guests to Hotel Indigo will be early next year," a council spokesperson added.

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.