Work will begin next month on The Forum's green wall, set to increase biodiversity and reduce both noise and air pollution.

The green wall, which will see plants cover an area of around 600 square metres, will sit on the Gloucester city centre development's new 398-space multi-storey car park.

It will help to cool the building during hot weather, as well as increasing biodiversity by attracting pollinators and helping to absorb sound.

The ambitious new green infrastructure. on the £107m development by Gloucester City Council and Reef Group, underlines the council's commitment to addressing climate change.

The building itself has been built with eco credentials in mind and has an energy performance A rating. It will be net zero carbon in operation, with electricity produced through renewable methods, including rooftop solar panels. The car park will have 39 electric vehicle chargepoints.

Gloucester City Council recently unveiled the Gloucester City Climate Change Strategy and Climate Risk Assessment, which sets out the council's plans to reach net zero emissions by 2030. This includes increasing the use of green energy sources, driving down energy consumption at council buildings and using biofuels in its vehicle fleet.

The strategy, which will go out to consultation following the full council meeting later this month, builds on the Gloucester City Plan, which guides local development and requires developers to take steps, such as improving the natural environment and increasing biodiversity.

Cllr Richard Cook, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: "As a council, we have a major role in doing everything we can to address climate change. We need to lead the way and show just what organisations can do to work towards being carbon neutral and to prepare for the changes in our climate. Green walls help to cool and insulate buildings, and the temperature beneath trees can be up to 12 degrees cooler."