ALL Gloucester's historic Docks will be run by the firm which is breathing life into its waterfront.
The Peel Group has won the contract to manage the whole of Gloucester Docks, so it can bring the northern half up to the same standards as its Gloucester Quays outlet shopping centre. It wants it to become a destination not just for shopping but for museums and leisure visitors too.
Gloucester City Council leader Paul James welcomed the move, which will bring unity to the two halves of the area either side of Llanthony Road.
"There has always been a distinction between the Docks and the Quays and by drawing the two together, you have a better opportunity to provide a good day out," he said.
Mark Owen, chairman of the Gloucester branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "This is fantastic news as it will bring the entire Docks area under one umbrella organisation which can only streamline the redevelopment process."
The contract sees The Peel Group, which owns Gloucester Quays, providing a facilities management service on a 10-acre area bordered by St Ann Way, Llanthony Road, Ladybellegate Street and the Docks, bringing the total area under Peel Group stewardship to 70 acres in Gloucester.
Peel manages security for the Gloucester Quays and has staged the Victorian Christmas Market and the Food Festival.
The new arrangement incorporates the cleaning, maintenance and landscaping of the Docks' public areas to ensure they are welcoming and attractive.
Earlier this year Peel also announced plans to build a new £60million shopping and leisure development on the site of the present Peel Centre.
The scheme will include eleven restaurants, a 10-screen 1,600 seat cinema, a revamped and expanded Quays, new shops and 550 new jobs.
Peel confirmed it's talking to "a number of quality brands" but won't reveal any names, for the waterfront development.
Jason Pullen, managing director of Gloucester Quays, said: "We're looking forward to working with Gloucester City Council and the Gloucester Docks Estate Company to continue to improve and maintain the high standard of management within the Docks."
