We are an independent registered charity that was set up in 1985
and which has, since then, played an important role in supporting and enriching arts, play and educational
projects in Gloucestershire.
First operating from a warehouse in Gloucester Docks we had to move
when the docks development took place in the late 80's. The following 10 years were spent in Cheltenham where
our membership expanded to the point where it became clear that we needed larger premises if we were to keep up
with increasing demand on our services. The Board of Directors and staff took the decision in 1994 to embark on
a capital fund raising campaign to buy a permanent home for the Charity.
By 1995 the campaign had successfully attracted sufficient capital to
purchase the City Works building, in the heart of the Barton area of Gloucester. Over the following six years
City Works was refurbished into what is now home to a number of community, arts and commercial enterprises alongside
some of the best facilities for events and arts activities in the county. The entire development cost £710,000.
We've always placed great value on carrying out our activities in ways that impact as
little as possible on the environment. The refurbishment therefore was carried out with the maximum re-use of building materials:
radiators, light fittings, window frames, floorboards, granite sets and well water system were all re-incorporated into the new works.
Work was completed in December 2000 and City Works has, since then, been fully occupied and regularly booked for a wide range of activities.
The building prior to redevelopment in 1995. Formerly a textiles factory, City Works was carefully
refurbished to retain its original character.
