Gloucester's derelict Bakers Quay site has become a hive of activity as the £55 million regeneration gets under way.

Punchline was taken on an exclusive tour of the site earlier this week and this rundown area of the city now has an exciting future, as our pictures show.

Wherever possible the developers Rokeby Merchant Developments and main contractors Gloucester-based Barnwood Construction are retaining aspects on the unique historic character of the 4.13 acre site next to the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.

The initial 47 apartments will be completed in July next year on the site of Provender Mill. Sadly the original building was destroyed by fire.

Four of the former dockyard worker cottages are being refurbished as three bedroom houses. The next focus will be the 73 apartments at the Malthouse Extension building which dates back to 1901.

The emphasis will be on preserving as many of the historic features as possible, offering the traditional Gloucester Docks apartments of iron columns, the preserved wooden beams, the brickwork and fantastic views of the canal.

The Engine Shed structure has also been retained and will be converted into a Brewers Fayre restaurant. At the moment it is in a very poor state and is being extensively and painstakingly repaired.

A marketing launch for the new apartments will take place at the Sula lightship at Gloucester Docks on Thursday May 25 from 2pm with all interested welcome. Full details are available at www.bakersquay.com.