Canal-side land plan to boost jobs (From Stroud News and Journal)

Canal-side land plan to boost jobs

JOBS and an economic boost for the Stroud area are expected to follow the purchase this week of a strategic piece of canal-side land.

British Waterways and the South West Regional Development Agency (RDA) have now completed the purchase of an area of industrial land at Brimscombe Port as part of an £82 million project to restore 36 miles of waterway that make up the Cotswold Canals.

Brimscombe was at one time a thriving port where heavy barges from Gloucester would transfer their cargo onto smaller narrow boats which would continue their journey towards the Thames.

Bruce Hall, chairman of the Cotswold Canals Trust was delighted with the latest move in the regeneration project.

"This is fantastic news and is a very positive step," he said.

"Things are beginning to take shape and this shows British Waterways and South West RDA mean business."

Sarah Lewis, British Waterways' commercial manager for the southern region, endorsed the feel-good factor.

"Our acquisition of this key strategic site at Brimscombe reflects the confidence and commitment of the Cotswold Canals Partnership to the restoration project and the regeneration of Stroud.

"The basin is now filled in but sensitive development alongside a restored canal could bring real social, economic and environmental benefits here and provided income towards the maintenance of the restored waterways," she said.

Katharine West, from the South West RDA cited an upturn for the local economy when the development gets underway.

"These moves will encourage more visitors to the area which will boost the economy and will provide permanent employment for the people of Stroud."

A date for development has not yet been set and British Waterways will now work alongside Stroud District Council to undertake a planning brief.

Before restoration work begins British Waterways will be re-letting the industrial units at the Port via Bristol based agents Lambert Smith Hampton.