The Forum Phase 2 construction project has reached operational status in Gloucester following phased completion across the Kings Quarter regeneration development. Moreover, the mixed-use project now supports commercial, digital, hospitality, and public infrastructure functions within Gloucester city centre. Developers completed major construction milestones during 2025 before final operational activities advanced through 2026.
The Forum Phase 2 construction project forms part of Gloucester’s wider regeneration strategy focused on digital infrastructure, urban renewal, and commercial expansion. Furthermore, the development transformed a former brownfield city centre site into a technology-led mixed-use destination supporting offices, hospitality, and public realm improvements. Regional stakeholders continue positioning the project as a key economic and investment catalyst for Gloucester.
Developers achieved practical completion for Phase 2 during May 2025 before opening additional operational components throughout 2026. Consequently, the project transitioned from active construction into operational occupancy and final commissioning activities. Several commercial tenants already occupy completed sections, while hospitality operations continue ramping up across the wider development.
Forum Phase 2 construction project supports Gloucester digital and commercial growth
The Forum Phase 2 construction project includes Grade A office space, co-working facilities, hospitality infrastructure, and public areas. Therefore, the development strengthens Gloucester’s position within the UK’s growing digital and cyber technology economy.
Fasthosts and several technology-focused occupiers already operate from completed buildings within the Forum development. In addition, Patch opened co-working and innovation space designed to support startups, entrepreneurs, and regional digital businesses. These operational components now contribute to increasing commercial activity across Kings Quarter.
Developers also delivered extensive public realm infrastructure linking pedestrian routes, retail activity, and transport connectivity throughout the regeneration zone. Consequently, the project improves accessibility while supporting broader city centre revitalisation objectives.
The Hotel Indigo component experienced delays during earlier construction stages because contractors identified additional technical works requiring completion. However, operators continued progressing commissioning activities through 2026 as final hospitality preparations advanced toward full operational integration.
Forum Phase 2 construction project aligns with UK digital infrastructure expansion
The Forum Phase 2 construction project reflects wider UK investment trends focused on digital infrastructure and technology-led urban regeneration. Similarly, the Wilton International Data Centre Phase 1 construction project demonstrates how developers increasingly combine phased construction strategies with technology-focused infrastructure investment.
Both projects highlight how UK regions continue attracting long-term digital economy investment through phased delivery models and integrated infrastructure planning. Furthermore, developers increasingly prioritise mixed-use environments that support technology, connectivity, and commercial growth within urban regeneration frameworks.
Regional authorities expect the Forum development to generate long-term economic benefits through employment creation, increased commercial activity, and stronger city centre investment confidence. Therefore, the project now stands as one of Gloucester’s most significant completed regeneration schemes.
The phased delivery approach used in the Forum Phase 2 construction project mirrors strategies seen in major infrastructure developments such as the Wilton International Data Centre Phase 1 construction project, where scalable, staged construction is being applied to support long-term expansion of digital infrastructure capacity within established industrial zones.
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Lined up is the scheme’s main campus that includes a 135,000 sq ft of grade A workspace together with a 130-room four-star hotel, digital conference facilities, rooftop restaurant and bar, a 9,000 sq ft wellness center, and a member’s club. As part of the contract, Kier will also develop a physical and virtual on-site learning center to offer training and job opportunities for the residents.
The scheme will also help local social enterprises and local SME businesses with the well-established relationships that have evolved from working with Gloucester City Council on previous schemes.
Remarks on The Forum main contractor
Esther Croft, the Reef Group’s development director, said that Kier’s dedication to sustainability, learning, and employment opportunities and its long-standing connection to Gloucestershire made it the perfect contractor to construct The Forum.
“Very essentially for us, Kier is determined to help the local residents to access all these modern training and employment opportunities that will be brought by the building initiative. The new learning center will help ascertain that the local residents can benefit directly from The Forum in the near future, as well as the digital campus acting to bring talent from the entire UK in the years to come,” explained Mrs. Croft.
Andy Bolas, the regional director for Kier Construction Western & Wales on the other hand said, “Working with Gloucester City Council and Reef Group, we look forward to creating this flagship digital hub that is set to be a bonfire for cyber security and technology businesses in the southwest. The learning center is also a distinctive and enduring legacy that aims to offer sustainable job and training opportunities for the Gloucester residents.”
Project Fact Sheet
Project name: Forum Phase 2 construction project
Location: Kings Quarter, Gloucester, United Kingdom
Project type: Mixed-use urban regeneration development
Status: Operational and substantially complete (2026)
Development value: Approximately £107 million
Main components:
- Grade A office space
- Co-working facilities
- Hospitality infrastructure
- Public realm improvements
- Retail and commercial areas
Development purpose:
- Urban regeneration
- Digital economy growth
- Commercial expansion
- City centre revitalisation
Key operational occupiers:
- Fasthosts
- Patch co-working
Construction milestone:
Practical completion achieved in May 2025
Wider programme: Kings Quarter regeneration initiative
Project Team
Project developer: Reef + Partners
Local authority partner: Gloucester City Council
Main contractor: Kier Construction
Hospitality operator: Hotel Indigo
Co-working operator: Patch
Technology occupier: Fasthosts
Planning authority: Gloucester City Council
Regeneration stakeholders: Kings Quarter development partnership
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