Historic hotel set to get new life as state-of-the-art village for young people

Plans have been submitted that could see the Fleece Hotel and Longsmith Street Car park turned into a state of-the-art community and business hub for young people who need a helping hand.

Councillors will consider the ambitious plans which are the brainchild of Marksteen Adamson, founder of Cheltenham Creative Agency, Asha & Co, at next month's cabinet meeting.

The proposals could see the historic Fleece regenerated and the car park redeveloped to make way for the scheme called the Phoenix Village Project.  

Focused on disenfranchised young adults, the project will offer supported accommodation with skills training and assistance with health and mental health issues to help them reach their full potential. 
It’s proposed that the village complex would have spaces set aside for wellbeing and socialising, along with independent businesses set up to give them on site experience.

The Fleece Hotel was first opened in 1497 as one of the three inns for pilgrims visiting the tomb of Edward II. The site includes part of a Grade I listed 12th century vaulted undercroft and Great Inn.
It closed as a hotel in 2002 and ownership passed to the council in 2011 that has since invested £350,000 to protect the buildings.

The new 400 space car park at The Forum will help alleviate the loss of Longsmith Street carpark, with the council looking at other options in the city to increase car parking.

If given the go-ahead the council will work to attract funding for the Phoenix Village Project which could become a key destination with pop up retail, food and drink offers.