The Forum, Gloucester – championing the city as a place to invest

The Forum is a £107m mixed-use development project transforming Gloucester city centre. Jointly led by Gloucester City Council and its development partner Reef Group, The Forum is part of a £200m city centre regeneration, which is revamping the public realm and creating great places to live, work and learn. 

Together, it forms the largest regeneration project ever undertaken in the city.  

We were appointed in 2018 to lead media and local business engagement at a time when the development had long been talked about but was yet to happen in earnest. As a result, there was doubt locally and in the media about the plans and the project’s profile was poor. Many people doubted that the project would ever happen. 

We developed a narrative for the development to improve perceptions and build confidence amongst stakeholders, businesses and investors. Partners used our message strategy consistently across all platforms. Using a coordinated media relations campaign, and by engaging local businesses, we transformed perceptions about the project. 

Where journalists expressed doubts, they now see and report on development as being a game-changer for Gloucester and the wider region.  

As development progresses towards completion, we continue to work with project partners and this positive momentum continues. Communications has been instrumental in raising the development’s profile, helping to secure business tenants, engage key stakeholders, and create a positive perception with the public.