PLANS for the next phase of the transformation of Gloucester Docks will be considered by city planners next week.

The proposals, which include plans for a 23-metre public artwork, will see an area stretching from the entrance to the Docks on Southgate Street to the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum transformed.

The area is seen as key to the city centre's future, as it forms part of the route between the Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet and the city centre.

Plans for the area include:

■ New paving and trees planted at the entrance to the Docks from Southgate Street

■ A new stepped terrace leading from the entrance to the Victoria Basin

■ The parking bays alongside the Victoria Basin will be removed

■ The access road will be reduced to a single lane

■ New seating to be created at the edge of the Docks

■ New surfacing to expose the old rail tracks through the area

■ The siting of a Midland Railway crane alongside the Docks

■ The erection of a piece of public art

■ Complete refurbishment of the steps leading to the Kimbrose triangle area

■ A new terrace of steps leading to the entrance of the Regiments of Gloucestershire museum.

■ A new floorscape art commission.

The work will see 86 parking spaces disappear from the area, which planners do not believe will affect the city centre's parking capacity.

However, several concerns have been raised over the project.

They include the proposed planting of trees within the area, which Gloucester Civic Trust has objected to, claiming they will detract from the industrial character of the area.

There are also concerns the loss of seven coach parking spaces will hit the number of visitors to the area.

A report prepared for Gloucester City Council's planning committee suggests the plans should be given the go-ahead, but only when the issue over coach parking has been resolved.

The report concludes: "I consider the scheme to be very welcome in general and there are considerable factors weighing in its favour."

Coun Paul James, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: "This work is vital, we have to create the link between the Gloucester Quays and the city centre.

"We have already seen how the Quays can increase footfall in the city centre, and if we can improve the road between them, it will only encourage more people to visit both."

Gloucester City Council's planning committee will meet next Tuesday evening at the North Warehouse in Gloucester Docks.

The meeting, which starts at 6pm, is open to members of the public.