In this project I am going to consider and answer the question

Page of Project Name: Redevelopment of Gloucester Docks By James Phelps

INTRODUCTION

In this project I am going to consider and answer the question “does the Gloucester docks need to be redeveloped?” the way in which I will go about answering this question, is by collecting information including primary and secondary data. I will have to use first person data as well by creating and carrying out a questionnaire and doing research to find information to help me answer my questions. In my question there’s the word “redeveloped”, by redeveloped I mean there are currently plans under thought which involve the docks making it more appealing to people. For example they are planning to include nightclubs, additional restaurants and other attractions such as stylish quayside apartments. In a recent issue of the local newspaper called “The Citizen” there was a piece discussing “Gloucester Renaissance” the name “renaissance” means the rebirth of the European culture between 1300 and 1500, secondly it means renewed. And it means rebirth, like rebirth of the city with a new start. (See fig 1) for more information on this issue.

Gloucester docks has been around since the roman times. It was used as a strategic shopping point on the river Severn, using a wharf, which was situated, on the north side of the docks. Trading from this point turned out to be very difficult and challenging as many vessels where not able to travel up the estuary because of the shifting tides. In 1580 Gloucester was able and granted access to become a trading terminal.

The warehouses that are going to be redeveloped have been around since 1826 and were mainly used for grain storage. There are similar appearance, they are all modelled on the original warehouse which was built by the Canal Company. All the warehouses have got red brick walls, slate roofs, timber floors and cast iron supporting columns. You can see an example of a typical warehouse construction in (figures 2 & 3) .The warehouses were called by what the owner’s name was which was painted on the side of the warehouse. Today the docks are listed as a major conservation area.

Currently there are tourist attractions at the docks, which has had around one and a half million visitors since 1995, some people would say that the docks are one of the best free tourist attractions in Gloucestershire and will be for a long time. This is due to the vast array of interests available at the docks. Some of the main attractions are the boats, warehouses and the actual docks itself. There is also the Gloucester yacht club, where visiting boaters are welcome at the clubhouse near the north east corner of the docks. People like to walk around the docks and admire the beautifully painted narrow boats. There are also guided tours available in the spring and summer bank holidays. They also like to see by contrast the older and much larger sailboats. Gloucester docks also harbours a large number of modern cruiser style boats. (See figures 6&7 for examples of boats)

Many people find the National Waterway museum very interesting indeed, it explains about the waterway system from the past leading through times up to the future times. The antique side attracts visitors and is free and displays nature and antiques and also specialist collectibles. This is also a very good source of revenue. The shopping centre offers a wide variety of shops. Such as a coffee shop, sandwich bar, hair salon, Toys & book store, clothing shop and Ice cream parlour. There are also boat trips available through the summer they are available for public and private use.

...