This is how the former Gloucester Prison site could look if redevelopment plans get the go-ahead.

Developers City&Country have submitted plans to Gloucester City Council for an ambitious scheme.

If approved it will include 40 residential dwellings in the former prison building, some 119 square metres of commercial space and the construction of seven new buildings up to six stories high with a further 164 residential dwellings.

There will also be community space, car parking and landscaping.

The application is complicated and will take several years to complete because of the site's historic importance.

But City&Country have an impressive track record for restoring heritage sites and creating new homes.

The application from the developers says: "A possible hotel option was explored, based on the commercial model of the former Oxford Gaol, now a successful Malmaison hotel.

"Whilst a new hotel operation could be accommodated well within some of the retained buildings, there remained significant doubt that a development of this type and scale within the city could be commercially viable.

"It is proposed that the former HMP Gloucester will be converted into a series of residential apartments that explore the site's history and heritage, whilst breathing new life into, and finding a long-term viable future for the redundant buildings.

"The site redevelopment will provide a total of 204 residential units - 40 units within the retained prison buildings and 164 apartments within seven new buildings, following the removal of a number of existing poor quality buildings.

"The accommodation mix comprises one, two and three bedroom apartments and duplexes, with the extent of accommodation and areas of apartments informed by the existing buildings' shape and layout. The redevelopment will also provide a cafe/heritage centre (Use Class A3/ D1) and associated public realm."

While the planning application is considered, City&Country is holding an information session to give members of the public the opportunity to view the submitted plans and talk through details of the application with the development team.

The information session will be held on Tuesday 18 July in the Visitor Centre in the Admin Block at the former prison from 3pm-7pm.

There will be no access to the prison or grounds during the session.

Illustrations: City&Country