Gloucester plant wall work to begin at Forum in bid to reduce pollution

The city council hopes the new project could bring more than 1,000 new jobs to Gloucester

Work is set to begin on a green wall aimed at reducing both noise and air pollution and increasing biodiversity in Gloucester.

The wall, at the Forum, will see plants cover an area of about 600 sq m (6,500 sq ft), an sit on the development's multi-storey car park.

It is supposed to cool the building during hot weather, attract pollinators and help absorb sound.

Work is due to start in March.

It is part of the £107m development by Gloucester City Council and Reef Group, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The building itself has been built with eco credentials in mind, and bids to be net-zero carbon, with electricity produced through renewable methods such as rooftop solar panels.

News that work is due to begin on the green wall follows the recent unveiling of the Gloucester climate change strategy and climate risk assessment, which set out the council's plans to reach net zero emissions by 2030.

Phase two of The Forum building work is expected to be completed in 2024.

This includes increasing the use of green energy sources, driving down energy consumption at council buildings, and using biofuels in its vehicle fleet.

Work will also begin in March on the next phase of work to revamp Westgate Street, funded by Historic England and the city council.

It will see the installation of trees and planters for shade, and the planting of bio-diverse varieties to attract pollinators and help address air quality.

Council leader Richard Cook said the authority had a major role in addressing climate change.

"We need to lead the way and show just what organisations can do to work towards being carbon neutral and to prepare for the changes in our climate," he said.

"Taking innovative steps, such as increasing the amount of trees and plants we have in the city, will help us to cope better with hotter summers, with last year the UK having its first day above 40C.

"Green walls help to cool and insulate buildings and the temperature beneath trees can be up to 12 degrees cooler."