Local firm wins contract to transform Kings Square

Gloucester based construction firm E G Carter & Co Ltd has been appointed by Gloucester City Council to take forward plans for the £5m transformation of Kings Square.

The project will see significant improvements made to the city centre square with the installation of sweeping, granite seating areas, water fountains, tree plantings, and atmospheric coloured lighting. The design concept, by George King Architects, takes inspiration from the Severn Bore – a spectacular tidal surge that occurs along the River Severn.

E G Carter & Co Ltd, which is set to start work on the scheme next week, is a family owned business that has been trading in Gloucester for over 75 years. Part of the reason the firm won the contract was by successfully fulfilling the council’s newly adopted Social Values policy. This requires any council led contract worth over £50,000 to be awarded to firms aiming to achieve several social benchmarks including; promoting local skills and employment; creating healthier, safer and more resilient communities; protecting and improving the environment; and promoting social innovation.

Councillor Richard Cook, leader of the Council, said: “We are delighted to be able to appoint a contractor for the square. We are particularly pleased that it’s a local firm which fits with our values as a council because, where we can, we want to spend our money locally. This project will transform our city and help make it a fantastic place to live, work and visit.”

Sam Carter, Head of Major Construction at E G Carter & Co Ltd, added: “As a business that was founded in Gloucester, trades in Gloucester and recruits many of its staff from Gloucester, we are thrilled to win such a high-profile project here in our home city. A renewed Kings Square is a key part of Gloucester’s future identity, and it’s very exciting to have a role in creating this central space. Our whole team feels an emotional connection to the area, and we look forward to working with the council to make a new Kings Square a reality.”

The vision is to transform Kings Square into an inspiring and enjoyable destination for city residents and visitors which can be used for events and entertainment, as well as for outdoor dining, and markets.  The redevelopment of Kings Square is due be completed in autumn 2021.

Kings Square forms the centrepiece of a wider £85million scheme by the council, working in partnership with developer Reef Group, to regenerate the King’s Quarter area of Gloucester.  A key component of this regeneration scheme is a plan to bring forward The Forum – a new social and digital campus for the South West, designed to act as a catalyst for the emerging digital and cyber sector.