A £5million fund for the regeneration of Kings Square has been rubber stamped by Gloucester City Council and the work is expected to start in the Autumn.

The fund is part of a £9.72million capital programme in the £14.2 million council budget that was agreed by councillors last night.

The new budget includes £250,000 of savings, but because of increased property income, accommodation savings and the council's move to Shire Hall, no cuts will be made to services.

Council leader, councillor Paul James confirmed to the full council meeting that work was intended to start at Kings Square in the Autumn.

Cllr James also revealed Midas had been appointed as preferred contractor for phase one of the improvement works for the King's Walk shopping centre.

Preparatory works at King's Walk have been scheduled for late spring with the confirmation of new tenants promised soon.

The Council's investment in the shopping centre has also generated an increase in rental income that has allowed it to reduce the amount of savings it needed to budget for.

Cllr James said: "This budget sets the framework to make the Council fit for the 21st century.

"It will help us to deliver our priorities, furthering the regeneration of the city, supporting our communities and protecting the services that matter most to our residents."

The budget also outlined the council's desire to tackle homelessness by creating a 'signficant amount of emergency accommodation', including some the council's property portfolio, within months.

The importance of the city's culture and heritage