THE £10 million sale of the rundown Merrywalks shopping centre has gone through and plans have since been submitted to Stroud District Council.

Dransfield Properties Ltd purchased Merrywalks last month and seek a £12 million programme of investment to rejuvenate the outdated shopping centre later this summer.

Mark Dransfield who is managing director of the property company outlined his ambitions for the development.

"Our professional team has been working on these plans for the last few months and we are delighted to be submitting our proposals to transform Merrywalks," said Mr Dransfield.

A stunning new Edwardian style entrance will be created in King Street as well as a refurbishment of the outdated mall areas to create a contemporary and attractive retail environment.

Additionally, new retail and residential units will be incorporated and the appearance and layout of the car park will be upgraded.

In response to the plans, a spokesman from SDC had this to say: "Applications for planning permission and listed building consent at Merrywalks Shopping Centre were received by SDC on Monday, July 2 and will be assessed in due course.

"They are an application for full planning permission and another for listed building consent covering alteration, extension and conversion works."

The property company has a track record of turning around the fortunes of struggling town centres and hopes these upgrades will reverse the fortunes of Stroud's run down shopping centre.

"We have had really positive feedback from stakeholders within the community and we are looking forward to starting work on the project which will transform this part of the town," added Mr Dransfield

During the consultation in June, 85 per cent of people who filled out the feedback form were in favour of the development.

Plans will be uploaded shortly to the SDC website at publicaccess.stroud.gov.uk/online-applications

When the documents are uploaded you can view the plans using these numbers.

S.18/1455/LBC, S.18/1454/FUL and S.18/1453/FUL