Gloucester Quays was one of a number of strategic acquisitions made by Lifestyle Outlets, which had realised the potential value of its historic waterfront setting despite the area having fallen into disrepair. The outlet destination first opened in May 2009, just as the economic downturn was adversely impacting retailers across the country.
In 2010, Chapman Taylor was appointed by Lifestyle Outlets to identify opportunities to increase footfall and value through a strategic review of their existing retail assets, and to find ways of integrating the development physically and socially with the historic docks while providing improved connections to the city.
Following a comprehensive appraisal of the scheme and wider context, Chapman Taylor’s masterplan created the new Leisure Quarter at the heart of the development, repurposing commercial space that had never been let since the center opened.
Anchored by a 10-screen multiplex cinema with new restaurants configured below, the Leisure Quarter has transformed Gloucester Quays, and is now a popular destination throughout the day and evening. Since the cinema opened in 2013, Gloucester Quays has seen customer footfall increase from 1 million to over 7 million, with consumer spending rising by over 29%. In conjunction with the creation of 1,500 jobs, this has aided the continuing economic and social regeneration of the local area.
A key driver of the success of Gloucester Quays was the engagement of Lifestyle Outlets and Chapman Taylor with Gloucester City Council and the wider community.
