“Frankly brilliant”: Gloucester’s Forum wins Regeneration Project of the Year

The Forum has been crowned Regeneration Project of the Year at the Michelmores Property Awards 2025, putting the transformation of Gloucester city centre firmly in the spotlight. 

The multi-award winning development took home the accolade at the South West’s premier property competition which celebrates the very best of the region’s projects, buildings and businesses.  With nine categories, the awards recognise commercial and residential projects of all shapes and sizes.

The judges described The Forum as “frankly brilliant”. They also said: “It’s the start of a new chapter for this part of the city, and a shining example of regeneration done right.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “The Forum is transforming Gloucester city centre and we’re delighted that this ambitious and exciting project has being recognised. The Forum is a key part of our strategy to regenerate Gloucester city centre and along with the other developments that are taking shape across the city will build a stronger economic future for businesses and residents.”

Peter Langly-Smith, managing director at Reef + Partners, said: “The Forum is a long-term commitment to Gloucester and its future. To see it recognised as Regeneration Project of the Year is a real credit to everyone involved, from Gloucester City Council and the project team, to construction teams and the tenants who’ve brought it to life.

“This is a strong signal of confidence in Gloucester’s potential as a hub for innovation, sustainability and growth.”

The award follows on from last year’s win for Whitefriars, the residential offering of The Forum, which was named ‘Small Residential Development of the Year’ at the Insider Media South West Residential Property Awards. 

The judges were impressed by Whitefriars' role in the redevelopment of the city centre, commenting that it stood out because of its status as a rare brownfield regeneration.

The Forum also won Commercial Property of the Year for the region in the CoStar Impact Awards.

The £107m mixed-use regeneration project is being brought forward by Gloucester City Council and developers Reef + Partners. The Forum’s high-quality spaces are meeting the region’s growing demand for sustainable and flexible working environments.

When complete, the Forum will offer:

• A sustainably built, mixed-used development built to a BREEAM rating of Excellent and net-zero carbon in operation.

• 135,000 sq ft of Grade A office space: providing flexibility for companies to adapt their work environment as teams grow.

• Hotel Indigo, IHG Hotels: the upscale brand hotel will open as a 129-bedroom boutique hotel, including a restaurant, conferencing facilities and rooftop cocktail bar.

• Car park – Q-Park: 393-space car park, with 41 electric vehicle charging points.

• Green-commute friendly transport options: situated adjacent to the Gloucester transport hub, including the £6.4m new bus station and the train station, as well as providing bicycle parking on-site.

• Stunning views of the city centre, cathedral and surrounding countryside.

• Retail space: Tesco has relocated a Tesco Express within the development.

• Whitefriars: 43 award winning apartments designed to minimise energy use, including the use of air source heat pumps, low energy light fittings, and sustainable materials.