Meaningful change: The Forum smashes its social value targets

Gloucester’s largest regeneration project is delivering far-reaching and lasting social impact, according to the latest figures captured by the project.

The Forum, which is helping to transform Gloucester city centre by providing quality places to live, work and spend time, has generated thousands of hours of work, training and community engagement for local people.

These findings are set out in the project’s progress against ambitious social value targets, which in some cases it surpassed by more than 900%.

Delivered by Reef + Partners in partnership with Gloucester City Council, and project partners Kier, The Forum has gone far beyond bricks and mortar to create meaningful, lasting change across the city.

Peter Langly-Smith, managing director at Reef + Partners, said: “The progress at The Forum is a clear reflection of what can be achieved when everyone involved shares a genuine commitment to delivering positive, lasting impact.

“These results speak volumes – not just in numbers, but in the opportunities created for local people. From apprenticeships to community projects and employment support, we’ve seen how development can directly benefit the communities it serves.”

Putting people first: The numbers behind the impact

Through targeted initiatives in employment, education, mental health and social inclusion, the project has:

·       Created 1,506 weeks of apprenticeships (Target: 600 weeks)

·       Delivered 2,398 hours of formal training (Target: 1,281 hours)

·       Spent 949 hours on educational engagement activities (Target: 60)

·       Trained seven mental health first aiders (Target: 5)

·       Dedicated 451 hours to initiatives aimed at improving physical and mental wellbeing for employees(Target: 50)

·       Supported 10 prison leavers into work (Target: 5)

·       Donated more than £26,000 to community projects (Target: £1,325)

This people-focused approach was made possible through collaboration with local schools, colleges, social enterprises and employment services, all co-ordinated through a dedicated Learning Hub near the site.

Changing lives: From the classroom to the construction site

The Forum created work experience opportunities for students with special educational needs (SEN), enabling them to gain vital life and job skills.

Clare Wrenne, an Employment Mentor at Gloucestershire College, said: “As SEND students, they have their own challenges, but to find an employer who will give them the chance to experience life outside of a classroom is invaluable.”

Another standout story comes from a former offender who was supported through Kier’s Making Groundprogramme. Given a six-month placement while on temporary release from prison, they have since secured full-time employment.

“This opportunity changed my life. I was treated like any other employee, and it’s helped me reintegrate into society. I’ll be forever grateful to the team,” they said.

Community spirit in action

Throughout construction, the project team also actively contributed to Gloucester’s wider community through:

·       Funding the Gloucester Hospital Baby Remembrance Garden

·       Launching a ‘Wall of Kindness’ warm clothing donation point

·       Sponsoring a charity abseil from The Forum, raising more than £19,000

·       Environmental education projects, including wildlife habitats designed with local students

·       Supporting local clean-up efforts with litter picking campaigns

Part of the wider £200m regeneration of the city centre, the £107m mixed-use development includes premium office spaces, retail space, restaurants, a Hotel Indigo (IHG Hotels) and a rooftop bar. The Forum’s high-quality spaces are meeting the region’s growing demand for sustainable and flexible working environments.

Cllr Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “The Forum is a shining example of regeneration done superbly — not just transforming our city centre, but changing lives across Gloucester. Surpassing social value targets shows the depth of commitment to our community, from apprenticeships and wellbeing initiatives to support for prison leavers. This is more than development; it’s a legacy of opportunity, inclusion and pride for our city.”

Jason Taylor, regional director at Kier, said: “Kier is committed to creating meaningful impact in the communities where we work and that has been no different in Gloucester city centre.

“Our team has worked incredibly hard alongside the Forum project engaging with residents, delivering training, and even inspiring the next generation of construction workers through work experience placements, apprenticeships, and through school visits. Our Learning Hub, adjacent to the project, also proved a wonderful success creating a space for job seeker to learn new skills and aid them in getting back into work.”