THE largest speculative development in Gloucestershire is rapidly taking shape in defiance of the economic gloom.

Whittle Square will include shops, restaurants and cafes bringing a new dimension to Gloucester Business Park in Brockworth.

Two terraces made up of 12 retail units providing 12,000sq ft of retail space are due for completion by next January.

Above will be 25 flats and the square will have public seating and a public art feature which is being discussed with Tewkesbury Borough Council.

Eventually, there will be three terraces providing 18 retail units and 20,026sq ft of retail space.
The square is named in honour of the jet engine pioneer Sir Frank Whittle and Gloster Aircraft Company which was previously based on the site.

The ten-acre site adjoins the Tesco store which is undergoing a 15,000sq ft extension. Nearby is a pub, leisure complex and hotel.

The developers are Frontier Estates, the contractors Barnwood Construction with property experts Alder King the marketing agents. They are currently in talks with a pharmacy, opticians, estate agent and sandwich shop over the retail units. Bus links will be provided to Whittle Square.

The 220-acre business park now employees 5,000 people.

Frontier Estates director Anthony Williamson said: "We are really pleased to have got this off the ground. It is underpinned by the Tesco development.

"The business park has been crying out for this area to be finalised."
Eventually the number of people working on the business park could double to 10,000 with 2,500 homes in the area.

Tim Heal, partner at Alder King, said Whittle Square would encourage more people into the area as well as provide more choice to business users on the business park.
"Hopefully it will also benefit the general community as well. It has been well thought out."
The strength of inquiries about the Whittle Square development had been good.