WORK on the first phase of a multi-million pound redevelopment project at Brimscombe Port could start in early 2017.

Engineers are currently creating an infrastructure blueprint of the historic land port, including a flood alleviation plan.

Once the engineer’s report is adopted an initial phase of work could start as early as next spring.

The ambitious project has now received £3 million towards the total it needs to get off the ground, made up of funding from both Stroud District Council and the Government.

The redevelopment will see the removal of unused manufacturing buildings from the site and the restoration of the historic form of the port.

New canal channels will be dug to replace those lost in the 20th century and a range of new buildings will be built to complement those of Port Mill.

This area will see the creation of around 200 new properties along the waterway.

There will also be cafes, bars and shops to attract tourism and jobs.

The council has previously said it wants the port to be the “new heart and soul” of Brimscombe.

But critics, including a number of independent traders in Stroud, say that the plans will take more business away from the town centre.