Esther Croft, a key member of the team behind Gloucester's £107m The Forum project, has been appointed as a trustee for the Gloucester Culture Trust.

Esther is development director at Reef Group, which is working in partnership with Gloucester City Council to create The Forum and transform the former Kings Quarter area of the city into a world-class, mixed-use digital and technology quarter.

The development will feature A grade office space, Gloucester's first 4-star hotel and has already delivered Whitefriars - a contemporary apartment complex.

A core part of Esther's role at the Gloucester Culture Trust will be to embed culture into the future strategic development of the city, including through The Forum.

Support for local creatives is already influencing decision making processes for The Forum. Several ideas from designers and creatives, who are members of the Culture Trust, have been put forward for consideration as part of the interior design for forthcoming 4-star hotel.

Esther Croft said: "I am delighted to be part of such an important organisation that is making positive practical change and embracing culture as a vital part of Gloucester. Gloucester is teeming with cultural events, places, organisations and individuals, and I'm proud to become part of the group that is connecting and enabling more cultural connections across the city.

"By ensuring culture is considered not only valuable, but a crucial part of major city developments, Gloucester can consolidate itself as the great place to live, work, learn and socialise we all know it is.

"The Forum presents a unique opportunity to support and celebrate local creatives. I hope to use my extensive network of contacts across the region to ensure that Gloucester benefits from all this local talent. It's also always inspiring to learn from people who bring a fresh perspective to the discussions that will shape our city's future."

The Gloucester Culture Trust is a charitable organisation with ambitious plans to bring about long-term change in Gloucester through culture and heritage activities. It works across arts and heritage, aiming to bring cultural, economic and social benefits to the city and position Gloucester as a great place to live, work and play.

The Forum will include 135,000 sq ft of Grade A workspace, alongside a 130-room 4-star hotel, rooftop restaurant and bar, state-of-the-art digital conference facilities and a 9,000 sq ft wellness centre.

Phase One of The Forum is now complete and has delivered 19 apartments at Whitefriars and new retail space occupied by Tesco.