Richard Stevens says there has not been a safe hub for the LGBTQ+ community in Gloucester in over ten years.

But that’s about to change.

Richard is the managing director of Proud Gloucester - a new coffee bar and pizza cafe which will be opening in the city’s Kings Square next month.

“So often the LGBTQ+ community have felt invisible," one local resident told Richard during a visit to Cirencester Pride in June.

"They've felt neglected, marginalised, and without a voice. So, it's important to have a space where people can gather together, be themselves, ask questions and support each other."

That’s what Richard is hoping Proud Gloucester will achieve. People will be given a platform to perform and showcase their talents, host events, and just be a safe space. Richard said it will be ‘somewhere inclusive and accessible, which will open seven days a week from 9am’.

Speaking to BBC News, Richard said more about the venue, explaining: “There's a need for a space for LGBTQ people to go and socialise. It's more than just a cafe - it's a community hub where groups can come together.

"The reception has been amazing. There's a real buzz building about this and about Gloucester as a city and it's been really exciting.”

Gloucester City Council has also backed the upcoming venue, said it welcomed the ‘vibrant and inclusive’ plans for the multi-purpose space.

The venue will have paid staff, as well as volunteers to host workshops and events, and will operate on a not-for-profit basis. It will also be able to host co-working opportunities too.

With work now underway on the project, ahead of its scheduled xx open date, Proud Gloucester has also given people the opportunity to become 'Founding Funders' - where they can donate £25 to £50 to help spur the project on, and will get their own 'brick' inside the venue.

Whilst it would take me around two hours and a half to get from Manchester to Gloucester, I’m still certainly considering popping down one day in the future to give it a visit.

And, who knows, maybe its success will spur on more venues of its kind in the city too, eh?