FORMER British Legion buildings and a car park owned by BT are set to become part of a massive regeneration project in Gloucester.

The three parcels of land in Blackfriars, one of Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company's (GHURC) 'Magnificent Seven' sites driving the City's regeneration, have been acquired by Gloucester City Council.

The BT car park acquisition will be a particular relief for the company, as the small parcel of land is seen as key to the regeneration of the area.

A previous development scheme was scuppered when BT refused to sell the land in 2002.

More than £1 million in funding from the South West Regional Development Agency was put forward so the purchases could go ahead, and Chris Oldershaw, Chief Executive of the GHURC, said it brought Gloucester one step closer to regeneration.

He said: "The purchase of these key parcels of land will make it much easier for a developer to undertake a comprehensive redevelopment of the area."

The first phase of development at Blackfriars will include a new £5 million language immersion centre and concert hall at Blackfriars Priory.

There are also plans for a multi-storey car park and hotel on Barbican site.

The land acquired consists of two properties currently occupied by the British Legion, located on the corner of Ladybellegate Street and Commercial Road and a car park which belonged to BT. They were purchased for a total sum of £1.2 million.

All three sites have been leased back to existing occupiers in the short term before the Barbican site is taken to the market later this year.

Chris Foley, head of regeneration at the South West RDA said: "This is an important step on the way to restoring Gloucester's Blackfriars to its former glory, and a key part of the city's economic regeneration.

"Together with existing sites in the RDA's and city council's ownership, these three pieces of land will offer a viable proposition to a developer looking to be part of Gloucester's vibrant new cultural quarter."

City council leader, Paul James, said: "Assembling the various pieces of land within the Blackfriars area is an important stepping stone towards its successful regeneration.

"It opens up the way for the land to be developed and is another example of the joint commitment we all have to make Gloucester a thriving 21st Century city."