The Forum

A net zero carbon digital campus designed to catalyse Gloucester’s emerging cyber and creative economy

Client Reef Group

Project Role Executive Architects, Interior Design

Scale 125,000 sq.ft.

Status Complete

The Forum sits at a pivotal point in Gloucester, between King’s Square, the railway and bus stations and the historic city centre. Once dominated by a multi-storey car park and retail units, the site presented an opportunity to repair a disconnected part of the city and create a stronger first impression for people arriving by road and rail.

Part of the wider King’s Quarter regeneration led by Reef Group in partnership with Gloucester City Council, the ambition was much bigger than delivering new buildings. The Forum needed to create a new commercial destination, improve connections through the city and respond sensitively to a site shaped by Roman archaeology, the medieval Whitefriars Abbey, complex existing infrastructure and a culverted river.

Turning ambition into reality

Appointed as Executive Architects post-planning, we led the architectural delivery across two interconnected plots, translating Urban R and Reef Group’s concept into a coordinated, buildable scheme.

Our role brought together architecture, structure, façades, building services, fire strategy and public realm. Through detailed BIM coordination, we resolved complex interfaces while protecting the character and ambition of the original concept. Across the façades, this included curved curtain walling, natural ventilation, intricate brickwork and an integrated media wall.

We also helped unlock greater flexibility and long-term commercial value within the office buildings, rationalising elements of the structural grid and layouts to improve adaptability and subdivision potential.

Connecting the two plots is a 44-tonne glass and steel link bridge. Manufactured offsite using modern methods of construction, it creates an important physical connection between the buildings while forming a new landmark on the approach into Gloucester, directing views towards the Cathedral.

Commercial offices

View of Cathedral Walk

A new gateway for Gloucester

Today, The Forum has transformed this part of the city into a mixed-use destination bringing together Grade A workspace, hospitality, leisure, homes, parking and new public realm.

Cathedral View creates a new route through what was once an inward-looking site, strengthening connections between the transport hub, King’s Square and the historic centre. The architecture responds to Gloucester’s heritage while establishing a contemporary identity for the city’s emerging commercial and digital economy.

More than a collection of buildings, The Forum is helping change how people arrive in, move through and experience Gloucester, creating a stronger gateway to the city and a catalyst for its continued regeneration.