As it draws closer to completion, the regeneration of one of Gloucester's long-standing derelict sites has raised fresh concerns over road safety.

Work to build the first phase of student accommodation off Ladybellegate Street, which forms a T-junction with Commercial Road in what is a 'shared space' area, is almost complete.

Covered by Punchline from the planning stage, the accommodation boasts 300 student rooms opening in time for the upcoming academic year. A further 194 rooms are also to be expected in the coming months.

All of which brings promises of further economic rejuvenation for the city, but it is this dramatic increase in footfall into the controversial 'shared space' area which is causing concern for some.

The area - which is aims to improve road safety - begins just before the aforementioned junction and goes up and around the Kimbrose Triangle and along the top of Southgate Street.

"One of the primary pedestrian access points to the Quays and Dockside will become via the stairs by Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum. But when you leave the Dockside you are immediately faced with the shared space and T-junction opposite Ladybellegate Street," said one local business person, who wished to remain anonymous.

"There is no obvious crossing point at what can be a busy junction and right of way is up for discussion between pedestrian and motorist.

"With the waterside set to become an increasingly important part of the night time economy as well the potential risks to safety are obvious."

Signage indicating the shared space already exists in the area, but is only on the up-hill side of Commercial Road where it has been knocked to one side.

On approaching the end of Ladybellegate Street signage is also difficult to spot. Only the change in colour of the road surface suggests you are entering a special area.

There is a pelican crossing a short walk down commercial road towards river and River Trust building.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire County Council said: "We aren't specifically going to look at Kimbrose Triangle ahead of the increase in student accommodation.

"There are a series of important new developments coming to Blackfrairs and surrounding area; we need to see what impact these have on the area before we would consider any changes - but we are listening to what people say and will look closely at it once the development in the area is complete."

A recent Government U-turn on shared space advised local authorities to pause the introduction of any new schemes.

It was a decision that has held up plans for 90 new homes in Longlevens at the former Gloucester Academy site off Estcourt Road.

Shares space aims to make roads safer by slowing traffic and removing street furniture, road markings and curbs.