Adrian Goodall - Baker's Quay

Adrian Goodall, M.D. of Rokeby Merchants Developments, was a captivating speaker, talking about the historic buildings and a patch of land know as Baker’s Quay.  

The land concerned is adjacent to the Gloucester Quays outlet centre, opposite the Peel centre (the ‘old’ cinema).  An investment in excess of £50 million will provide a Premier Inn (just down the road from the Travel Lodge at the Quays centre), a Beefeater pub / restaurant and a Costa Drive Thru.  (Will that be the eleventh or twelfth Costa shop / Express in and around Gloucester?)  In addition there will be 47 flats (ah, sorry, ‘apartments’).  Adrian showed some pictures of some completed apartments, stating that they would have decent quality, branded, kitchen and bathroom fittings.  Yes, this would lift the price somewhat but this doesn’t seem to be deterring would be buyers.

Adrian explained the problems (and increased costs) resulting from the fire at Provender Mill, the day that letters had been sent to prospective investors in the development.  It was interesting to hear that investors included members of Liverpool Football Club.

Other aspects of the development are proving tricky, with the Malthouse aspect in dire straits with 90% of timbers in need of replacement.  Adrian is clearly relieved that the major problems have been identified and have been or are being overcome,

This development seems to have been a long time coming.  However progress is now being made and the improvements are already clearly apparent.

Duncan Lord