Council ‘missing a trick’ by not moving reception into empty shopping centre unit

Gloucester council leaders are “missing a trick” by not moving their reception area into an empty ground floor shop at the Eastgate Centre.

That’s the view from Labour councillors who are disappointed Gloucester City Council has taken so long in deciding to relocate its customer services reception at The Gateway from Westgate Street.

The opposition councillors are pleased with the move as they had raised the idea in July 2022.

But say it will still be relatively hidden at its new proposed location in the Eastgate Centre management suite on the first floor opposite the City Council offices.

Councillor Tree Chambers-Dubus (L, Moreland) said: “We think the council is missing an opportunity as The Gateway could be located in a shop on the main ground floor.

“This would not only make it more accessible but also highly visible and would act not only as an information centre but the public access point and face of Gloucester City Council.

“In November 2022, Labour councillors raised concerns about the number of empty shops in the Eastgate Centre and proposed a motion to consider alternative uses for these units.

“As a result an empty shops initiative was developed and so we are disappointed that a vacant shop has not been used for the Gateway.”

Council leaders say the Eastgate move will make it easier for residents to attend face to face appointments and is set to save taxpayers around £80,000 annually in reduced running costs.

At The Gateway residents can arrange to see staff if they can’t solve their query over the phone or by email.

Cabinet will consider the proposals to relocate The Gateway at their meeting on December 6.