We are pleased to confirm that our transformational plans for Podsmead will go before Gloucester City Council’s planning committee in July.

This once-in-a-generation opportunity is the result of a landmark collaboration between GCH, Homes England, Gloucester City Council, local residents and community leaders. Through strategic support, including the transfer of key land assets and grant funding, the £45 million investment will unlock significant long-term benefits for the Podsmead community.

The regeneration proposals include the delivery of 172 high-quality social rent homes, and investment of £1.3 million in enhanced public spaces, improved community amenities, and modern, accessible infrastructure to support a thriving, sustainable neighbourhood, with an additional investment of £645k in improving offsite sports and play provision.

A greener, more connected community

At the heart of the regeneration is enhanced landscaping and public open space. Key features include:

• A net gain of 241 trees across the neighbourhood to enhance the urban canopy and support biodiversity.
• sustainable drainage systems which help manage rainwater naturally while also supporting wildlife and creating attractive green spaces for the community.
• Sensory planting and edible species to create inclusive, interactive green spaces.
• Redesigned public spaces with improved lighting and safer pedestrian and cycle routes improving connectivity across the site and with neighbouring communities. New bus stops will give residents more access to sustainable transport options.

Enhanced play and wellbeing opportunities

New play and fitness facilities are predicted to deliver a net annual welfare increase of £170,000 and an additional 58.000 visits to local green spaces. These include:

• A new BMX pump track between Cole and Byron Avenue.
• Inclusive play areas, fitness trails, and a multi-use games area (MUGA). The play areas have been designed using guidance from the Make Space for Girls campaign, to make sure they are welcoming and inclusive for all young people, not just boys.
• A community orchard and allotments to promote health, sustainability, and social connection.

High-quality, energy-efficient housing

The development will deliver 172 new social rent homes – a net gain of 109 affordable homes – providing a variety of sizes to meet identified local need. All homes will meet a minimum EPC B rating, which means lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions. Many will be designed to be accessible for people with mobility needs, including features like step-free access and adaptable layouts.

Improved local shopping and health services

The plans also include new amenities to increase footfall and help sustain a vibrant local economy:

• A new pharmacy to meet local health needs.
• A convenience food store to improve access to fresh, affordable food.
• 359 sqm of flexible commercial space for community use, enterprise and events.

Additional investment in the wider community

• GCH has pledged £649,000 to enhance play and sports facilities beyond the regeneration site, extending the benefits of the scheme to the wider community.

Guy Stenson, CEO of GCH said: “This project represents years of planning, partnership and consultation. It is rooted in the needs and ambitions of the local community. The development will create employment and training opportunities during construction and beyond, as well as improved health and wellbeing through access to green space, active travel, and reduced energy costs.”

“What’s really encouraging is how closely this scheme aligns with the direction of national policy. There’s now a clear focus from Government to build more social housing and invest in communities that have been left behind. That’s exactly what this regeneration does – it delivers high-quality, affordable homes, reinvests in the heart of an existing neighbourhood, and brings in the kind of local services that support people’s health, wellbeing and future opportunities.”

He added: “With support from Homes England, Gloucester City Council, local residents and the broad coalition of community groups who have been with us along the whole journey, we now have a real opportunity to create the high-quality homes, green spaces and community amenities that Podsmead deserves.”

We will continue to keep residents informed as the application progresses to the July committee.