City Campus to be officially opened in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal

University of Gloucestershire is delighted to announce that the official opening of its new City Campus will take place on the morning of Friday, 16 January 2026 – and HRH the Princess Royal will be in attendance.

City Campus, located in the landmark former Debenhams building in King’s Square, represents one of the most significant regeneration projects in the region.

The visit by The Princess Royal reflects the national importance and impact of this award-winning development, which has transformed the site into a cutting-edge centre for teaching, learning and community services.

The University acquired the building in 2021 and worked with Morgan Sindall to revamp the 20,000 m2 site, creating a lively new hub in the heart of Gloucester.

City Campus will play a pivotal role in the regeneration of Gloucester City Centre and has already generated £44m in social value.

Opening its doors in August 2025, the building is home the University’s Education, Psychology and Social Work programmes, whilst also providing shared public access facilities. These include a new Arts, Health and Wellbeing Centre delivered in partnership with the NHS Integrated Care Board, and a new public library in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council.

Dame Clare Marchant DBE, Vice-Chancellor of University of Gloucestershire, said:
“We are immensely proud of City Campus as a city centre, community campus, and officially opening the building in the presence of Her Royal Highness is a fitting milestone for the development.

“We have always sought to ensure that City Campus honours Gloucester’s heritage while creating new opportunities for learning, collaboration and civic engagement. As such, this is a hugely exciting way to begin this new chapter.”

Image: University of Gloucestershire’s new City Campus