Award winning architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley, have been appointed by The South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) in conjunction with the Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company (GHURC) to prepare the first stage of a feasibility study on the redevelopment of the Blackfriars, one of Gloucester’s most important and historically interesting areas.

Blackfriars is the main link between Gloucester’s historic Docks and the city centre, and incorporates the Blackfriars Priory, a scheduled ancient monument currently closed off to the public. The site has been identified by Gloucester Heritage URC as one of the ‘’Magnificent Seven’ areas that are driving regeneration across the city.

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Chris Foley, South West RDA Gloucestershire Head of Operations said: “Offering unique architecture and archaeology, development in Blackfriars needs to remain true to the City’s heritage and we must sensitively consider how best to secure a complimentary mix of old and new to make it a “must visit” destination.

“With an unrivalled portfolio of projects and enviable reputation, the calibre of knowledge and experience Feilden Clegg Bradley are bringing to this project gives us a real opportunity to create something fantastic for Gloucester.”

The feasibility study will consider financial viability to ensure that the project can be funded and built. It will bring together an archaeological report, conservation plans for Blackfriars Priory and The Fleece Hotel and a cultural and creative industries study.

It is likely the company will be asked to prepare a detailed development brief, to be launched at MIPIM, the international property exhibition in Cannes, France in March 2008.

(JM/KMcA)