University of Gloucestershire wins Heritage and Regeneration Award for City Campus

The University of Gloucestershire is celebrating after winning the Heritage and Regeneration Award at last night’s Believe in Gloucester Awards, for its transformational City Campus project.

The award recognised the University’s work to sensitively restore and repurpose the former Debenhams building in King’s Square into a modern centre for learning, wellbeing and community engagement, while preserving one of Gloucester’s most iconic heritage landmarks.

Having opened in August 2025, City Campus has already delivered £44 million in social, economic and environmental value, and has brought more than 1,200 students and staff into the heart of the city. Public facilities include a new city library, NHS Arts, Health and Wellbeing Centre, student-led Law Clinic and gallery space, ensuring the building remains open and welcoming to all.

The University successfully secured grants and government funding to help ensure key heritage features were preserved as part of the development. For example, Salix funding enabled the faithful recreation of the display windows by Crittall, the original supplier. Elsewhere, Levelling-Up funding was used to restore the building to its former glory.

Camille Stallard, University of Gloucestershire’s Chief Financial Officer, said:
“We are thrilled to receive this award. City Campus is a once-in-a-generation project that celebrates Gloucester’s heritage while creating new opportunities for the future. This recognition is a testament to the vision, care and collaboration that have brought this landmark back to life.”

The Believe in Gloucester Awards celebrate the individuals, organisations and projects that make Gloucester a better place to live, work and invest. The awards shine a spotlight on community pride, innovation, resilience and regeneration across the city, recognising those whose contribution strengthens Gloucester’s future.

Nationally, the City Campus development is also a finalist for the Education Property Awards, which will take place in February 2026.