Climbing at Quays Plans for upper deck given 'yes'

THE upper deck of Gloucester Quays will be transformed into a centre that combines elements of a “theme park meets climbing wall.

- Phil NORRIS, Carmelo GARCIA

Gloucester Quays LLP has been given approval to repurpose the currently vacant area, which was earmarked for outlet retailing.

The company had submitted proposals to Gloucester City Council to utilise the entire 1,256 sqm of space on the upper deck. The operator of this space is likely to be Clip ‘n Climb UK, a leisure climbing facility provider.

The proposed facilities include climbing and soft play areas, along with a cafe. Consultants had assured planners that the proposal will not result in additional floorspace being created within the outlet.

However, it does introduce an extra leisure element to Gloucester Quays, aligning with the spirit of the original planning permission which incorporated leisure uses. Simultaneously, there are no plans to relinquish any of the permitted factory outlet shopping floorspace, which will remain at up to 20,000 sqm.