International company Q-Park has signed a deal to open a 398-space city centre car park as part of Gloucester's flagship development.

One of Europe's leading car park operators, Q-Park, has agreed the deal with Gloucester City Council and its partner, Reef Group, to manage the new car park at The Forum development.

The Forum car park will sit behind Two Cathedral View, one of the development's two main office buildings, and close to what will be a new boutique hotel, when IHG Hotels & Resorts open their latest Hotel Indigo. Spaces will be available for companies who occupy The Forum and will be open to the public.

Designed with sustainability in mind, 10% of the parking spaces will offer EV charging points.

Q-Park, which currently provides high quality car parks across all of the country's major cities, has a growing reputation for secure, clean and well managed facilities.

They were awarded the contract due to their commitment to innovation such as the EV charging points and their plans to introduce the PaSS Automatic Number Plate Recognition system to allow mobile payments and online pre-booking.

Cllr Richard Cook, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: "We're very pleased to welcome Q-Park to The Forum. One of the leading lights in its sector, the company reflects the forward-thinking ethos of The Forum with its reputation for excellent customer care and their innovative approach to car park management."

Peter Langly-Smith, development director at Reef Group, said: "This latest partnership with Q-Park further demonstrates the attractiveness of The Forum to best-in-class operators. Q-Park is an award-winning company with a portfolio that stretches across northern Europe. With their focus on corporate social responsibility, it is great to have them within The Forum."

James Pollock, head of acquisitions & real estate at Q-Park UK, commented: "We are absolutely delighted to be able to open our very first facility in beautiful Gloucester and The Forum will be without doubt one of the premier locations. We look forward to introducing our quality operation to delight both local residents and visitors alike."

Q-Park is the latest international brand to sign up to be a part of The Forum Development. It follows the announcement in April that Hotel International Group will run a 131-bed Hotel Indigo at The Forum. The stylish new hotel will sit alongside 135,000 sq. ft. of Grade A office space currently under construction by Kier Construction.

This phase of The Forum comprises the main campus development, including the car park, and is expected to complete in late 2024.

The £107m Forum development is part of the £200m Kings Quarter regeneration in Gloucester city centre, being delivered by Gloucester City Council and its partners Reef, and the University of Gloucestershire.