Gloucester City Council 'missing an opportunity' with empty shops

Labour councillors proposed the move in July 2022

A city council is being criticised for not moving its reception area into an empty ground floor shop.

Gloucester City Council plans to relocate its customer services, called The Gateway, from Westgate Street to the first floor of the Eastgate Centre.

Opposition Labour councillors are pleased as they had raised the idea in July 2022.

However, the Labour group believes a vacant ground-floor space could act as a better "face" of the city council.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), council leaders say the move is set to save taxpayers around £80,000 annually in running costs and will make it easier for residents to attend face-to-face appointments.

Labour councillor for Moreland, Tree Chambers-Dubus said: "We think the council is missing an opportunity as The Gateway could be located in a shop on the main ground floor.

"In November 2022, Labour councillors raised concerns about the number of empty shops in the Eastgate Centre and proposed a motion to consider alternative uses for these units.

"As a result an empty shops initiative was developed and so we are disappointed that a vacant shop has not been used for the Gateway."

At The Gateway residents can arrange to see staff if they can't solve their query over the phone or by email.

The proposal to relocate the service will be considered at a council cabinet meeting on 6 December.

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