By Fraser Dahdouh


WHEN talking to Mark Russell and Dave Marshall - the Chiefs of the canal redevelopment and planning strategy respectively, the mood was optimistic for the future of Stroud and the district.

Since 2009, the canal redevelopment had attracted over £110 million of private investment into the area and by 2015 was linked to 57 business start-ups.

The face of the town centre has been changing as well, with the passage of the planning for a development at the Wallbridge site, effectively offering an extension of the town centre onto the waterfront, the future of Stroud’s business ecology looks bright.

These are the benefits that have been reaped from a redevelopment that had once seemed a cosmetic affair, alongside other more anecdotal advantages.

Thus far, 60 young people with learning difficulties have also joined the volunteer force, contributing to the 48,000 hours committed by volunteers.

These aspects of community building seem unique to cultural development projects, where a real sense of personal investment into the local area and society can come from a large infrastructure investment.

The works are not wholly superficial though, they have also been developed in tandem with flood management controls, not only reducing flooding to residential areas, but also making the brownfield sites along the towpath more attractive to businesses.

This has also enabled developers to take the step towards large developments like that of Brimscombe Port, which is soon expected to make serious headway.

Ultimately, projects like this offer the advantage for Stroud to claim its heritage, its throne at the centre of the Five Valleys is merely the epitome of the River Frome, its ‘mill-driving’ tributaries and the canal.