Part of Gloucester city centre has been declared a Heritage Action Zone and awarded £1.9million to help regeneration and celebrate its past.

The funding for Westgate Street and its surrounding area - designated The Cathedral Quarter - comes from Historic England as part of a £95million Government-funded programme.

It is designed to develop schemes which will transform and restore disused and rundown buildings, restoring historic character.

Tewkesbury handed £1.48m to take historic action 

A statement from Historic England said: "Westgate's retail environment has changed dramatically in recent years.

"It once had a strong mix of independent businesses whose owners embraced the street's historic buildings, but many have moved on and prospective new owners feel the properties are expensive to run and difficult to convert.

"The street scene is tired, with poor paving, inconsistent signage, and general clutter. Many retail units stand vacant. Locals perceive the area in a negative light and of the thousands of visitors to the Cathedral, few are attracted into Westgate Street."

It continued: "The Heritage Action Zone will capitalise on Westgate's untapped potential and boost the number of people living, working and taking pride in the area.

"The award will invest in Westgate Street's beautiful historic buildings, repairing buildings and historic shop fronts and converting vacant upper floors for new uses.

"The Heritage Action Zone will help Westgate thrive again by bringing a modern business approach to an outstanding historic environment."

It said advice and support will be available for businesses in historic properties and the street will be improved with new signs and branding with cultural activities from community archaeology to performing arts.

The development of The Cathedral Quarter will be in partnership with Gloucester City Council, Gloucestershire County Council, GFirst LEP and Gloucester Cathedral.