Slow progress being made on 67/69 London Road, say Lib Dems

Progress is being made on redeveloping a Gloucester eyesore - but it is slow going, say the Liberal Democrats.

The former Trident Life building on London Road in Kingsholm has been empty for a number of years.

The services inside have been stripped out making number 69 impossible to quickly rent out for offices while no 65 is so derelict it is not worth saving.

Lib Dem Councillor Jeremy Hilton, who represents the area, said: "On July 27 last year, I met a representative of Pall Mall Estates, the owners of 67/69 London Road with the leader of the city council, Richard Cook.

"We had a productive meeting and agreed on some outcomes. Pall Mall took quick action to get the security hoardings painted, which helped tidy up the site.

"The council agreed to provide contacts of registered social landlords to Pall Mall who might be interested in a housing project."

Councillor Hilton said he had a telephone conversation with Pall Mall this week to follow up on recent correspondence.

"There has been some progress and Pall Mall have commissioned an architect to look at options for the site whether they be the conversion of the existing building or demolition and new build," he said.

"Both are for residential purposes. The site is allocated for 30 dwellings in the city plan.

"Pall Mall is looking for 70 to 100 units. I think they are trying to squeeze too much onto the site and have told them so. But it is early days."

Local Resident and Lib Dem campaigner Angela Conder added: "The buildings have been empty for ages. They are an eyesore in a conservation area.

"I hope Pall Mall can find a development partner. This is an ideal location for a quality residential development."