In 1896 a new through station was constructed on the Tuffley Loop line on a site that had previously housed the Midland Railway engine shed.

The station, originally known simply as Gloucester, opened on 12 April 1896;[1] it had three through platforms and one bay.

Buildings were of typical Midland Railway design in red brick with terracotta decoration.

There was a direct footbridge connection to the ex-Great Western Railway Gloucester Central station.

Colour-light track-circuit block signalling was installed, and the station was effectively merged with Gloucester Central.