Gloucester’s unique Language Immersion Centre moved a step closer to reality today with the submission of a planning application.
If planning consent is granted, the centre will be built on the former Clutch Clinic site on Commercial Road in the city. Demolition of the existing buildings started last week.
The proposed centre will kick-start the regeneration of the Blackfriars area and boost regeneration in the city.
Local people, businesses and interested parties have already had chance to see the design proposals at an information event at Brunswick Baptist Church earlier this month. The proposed new centre will be based within Blackfriars. The design will blend with the adjacent Priory buildings, opening up the Priory to more visitors.
Cllr Mark Hawthorne, Cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This is an important next step to ensure this vital project is delivered for Gloucester.”
Cllr Pam Tracey, county councillor for Westgate, said: “I think it’s a great idea to teach these languages in the city. We have already got a cosmopolitan city, but it will be even better if young people are able to converse with each other in rare languages. It will also help attract tourists from around the world and put Gloucester on the map.”
Chris Foley, head of regeneration at the South West RDA, said: “This is an important step on the way to restoring Gloucester’s Blackfriars to its former glory, and a key part of the city’s economic regeneration.
The new language immersion centre will sit alongside the restored and refurbished Priory building, creating a vibrant new cultural quarter in the heart of Gloucester.”
The planning application will be submitted to the County Council Planning Authority.
