New gateway to Gloucester City Council to open in the city centre

Gloucester City Council’s new reception will open at offices in the heart of the city next Wednesday.

Called ‘The Gateway’, the new reception will offer a more central location to make it more convenient for people who need to visit the council.

The move sees the new reception relocate from its current base in Gloucester Docks and open at 92-96 Westgate Street, across the road from Shire Hall (next to Janes Pantry).

The move builds on the success of the recently introduced appointment system, which has made it quicker and easier for residents to get help with council services, whilst dramatically reducing waiting times. The system has also allowed for more time to be spent with vulnerable residents and those with complex issues.

The Gateway will house the customer service centre on the ground floor, while some council business partners will occupy the floors above.

At The Gateway visitors will find:

• modern and improved facilities
• A welcoming space, designed with people with mental health issues or physical disabilities in mind
• an area set aside for young visitors
• specially installed computers so residents can access the council’s online services
• Customer Service officers, on hand to assist people and able to offer appointments to customers who need them

The new reception will operate in line with the recently increased reception opening times of 9am – 5pm daily except for Wednesdays which is 10am – 5pm. To make an appointment for Council Services, call us on 01452 396 396. For Council Tax appointments you can call 01452 396 495. For Housing Benefit appointments you can call 01452 396 440.

Councillor Hannah Norman, cabinet member for performance and resources, said: “The Gateway is a key part of improving the way we deliver our services. With improved facilities, increased opening hours and the new appointments system, we are improving how the council supports residents who need to meet with the Council in a more comfortable, friendly environment at a time that suits them whilst at the same time making it easier for others to do business with the Council online.”

To facilitate the move to The Gateway, reception will be closed on Tuesday, July 30 however; arrangements are in place to safeguard individuals in emergency situations on that day. Those with housing emergencies should contact 01452 396538 9am-5pm, after 5pm 01452 614194 and other emergencies contact 01452 396220 or email