Striking plans for the transformation of the centre of Gloucester have been welcomed by council leaders.

More than 150 new homes, masses of new office space, restaurants and a new hotel are included in the next stage of Gloucester's King's Quarter.

Gloucester City Council says the plans it has submitted for Kings Square are a major step towards achieving its vision to create a new destination for the city which combines regular cultural activities and live performances with improved retail and a hub for creative businesses and start-ups.

If approved, the planning application will see the demolition of several aging buildings to make way for a new multi-storey car park, more than 150 homes and 40,000 sq ft of new office space. The plans were submitted days after Gloucester City Council's cabinet approved investment to begin the demolition of Grosvenor House and the former bus station as part of the regeneration of the Kings Quarter area.

Welcoming the progress, Gloucester City Council's leader Cllr Paul James said: "Kings Square is the city centre's largest public open space and will become a focal point for businesses, residents and visitors.

"This application demonstrates the scale and scope of our proposed transformation of this part of Gloucester city centre.

"I am confident that new homes and commercial opportunities coupled with a completely new look for the Square will encourage the people of Gloucester to spend time in the city centre and make it a destination for people to visit and invest in.

"These plans are about so much more than new buildings. They are about creating a new space which provides something for everyone, whether that's as a leisure destination, a place to work or a cultural hub. I'm pleased to see these ideas start to become a reality."

Gloucester City Council's development team for the King's Quarter project, has created the plans following extensive consultation with residents and stakeholders. The application includes proposals to refurbish King's House to provide a new creative hub and a modern food hall.

It includes plans for:

• New leisure and office spaces

• Refurbishment of Kings House to provide a new creative hub and food hall

• New infrastructure including landscaping and redevelopment of public spaces

• One hundred and fifty six new homes

• A new hotel

• A new multi-storey car park

"These plans have been extensively consulted upon and it's a huge milestone to submit them, representing a significant investment of resource by the city Council," added Cllr James.

"We want to turn the area into a destination that brings people together - whether it's to watch live performances, see art or meet others. The plans can benefit Gloucester for years to come and I am looking forward to seeing them start to come to life in 2019."

Cllr. Jeremy Hilton, Gloucester City Lib Dem leader, welcomed the plans and said it was vital the project now moves on as swiftly as possible, especially the renewal of Kings Square.

"This is an important public space in the centre of Gloucester. It must become another major attraction for visitors. At the moment it is an unloved and underused public space. Liberal Democrats are also worried about the future of Debenhams. We cannot lose this department store," said Cllr Hilton.

"Liberal Democrats want to build a new civic centre here, housing the offices of the city council, council chamber and possibly a brand new justice centre. We are still trying to persuade Conservative and Labour councillors to take up our idea of a new civic centre, located next to the bus and railway station and a brand new car park. So far, the office space remains unallocated."