Construction is on target (From Stroud News and Journal)

Construction is on target

WORK on the multi-million pound Merrywalks development in Stroud is moving on apace with the colossal construction going up at a break-neck speed.

The towering crane has been turning heads in the town and the steel frame seemingly growing faster than a giant Meccano set, the complex is expected to open as early as next July.

The development is the biggest build in the town since the Stroud & Swindon moved its base here.

It will use 9,500 tonnes of concrete, which if bagged up in sugar bags would be enough to circle the entire globe.

The development will also need 89,000 bricks and 70,000 blocks which if laid end to end would stretch from the site entrance to the heart of Bristol.

The steel frame currently on the site will house one of the six planned cinema screens on the ground floor, with the Wilkinsons store above that and the bowling alley on the top floor.

The building is expected to be watertight by Christmas this year, with just internal work to do after that.

The bowling alley should be ready for the tenants to take possession on March 6 next year, with the cinema being handed over the following day and Willkinsons taking possession of their shop on April 5.

Once the tenants have been given the building they will have to fit out their businesses and prepare them for the grand opening, which is expected to be in July.

As well as the new building the attached Merrywalks shopping precinct and multi-storey car park will also be getting an overhaul to bring them up to a standard to match the newly build centre.

Merrywalks boss Bill Wrather also hopes to install a vintage steam engine in the main walkway of the precinct to celebrate Stroud's industrial heritage.

The 8ft engine includes parts which were crafted in the Five Valleys.