Derelict buildings could be transformed into 200 homes

Jeremy Hilton said empty buildings, such as Spread Eagle Court, could be regenerated to inject "vibrancy" into Gloucester

Derelict sites and "unloved" buildings could be transformed into hundreds of new homes.

Five city centre buildings have been earmarked for development, including the former Fortis Insurance building, in Kingsholm, which has been boarded up for a decade.

Gloucester City Council leaders said if approved at September's cabinet meeting, the "eyesores" could be converted into much-needed housing.

Council leader Jeremy Hilton said regenerating the sites was a "very important step" in addressing the city's housing needs.

It is hoped the plans would continue the £200m regeneration project taking place in Gloucester, which will bring a boutique hotel, rooftop bar, a gym and a new multi-storey car park to the city centre.

The former Fortis Insurance building at 67-69 London Road could provide about 60 new homes.

Council leaders said they would "push ahead with supporting redevelopment or consider using a compulsory purchase order to buy the site" if given the backing by cabinet.

Meanwhile, 40 new homes could be built at Spread Eagle Court on Northgate Street.

'Eyesores'

Under the plans, the former Debenhams, 20-26 The Oxbode, could have its upper floors converted to provide six apartments, with its ground floor retail units retained.

And 32 apartments could be built on Market Parade. Meanwhile, Wessex House, based between the Railway Station and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, could provide 45 new homes.

Mr Hilton said the regeneration of the above "eyesores" would "add to the vibrancy of Gloucester" by bringing more people into the city.

"It will also help to address the very real lack of housing, which is another of our key priorities and this will be a very important step in the right direction," he said.