THE DESIGNER behind plans to build a 37-house canal-side development in the centre of Stroud has said that the fire may affect the viability of the development.

It comes after two men who were arrested in connection with a fire at the listed building on a patch of land owned by Newland Homes were released under investigation.

Plans released by Newland Homes last year showed the listed building as an integral part of the plans

Jeremy Drew, design director for Newland Homes, said: “We are terribly disappointed that the listed Wallbridge Warehouse has suffered an extensive fire, but very glad to learn that nobody was hurt. Of course, we are doing all we can to ensure the listed building is safe.

“Prior to the fire on Tuesday 21 August the building was fully secure and there are indications that it may have been physically broken into.

“If it emerges that this was in fact an arson attack, we hope those responsible for a mindless act of vandalism to a heritage asset realise they could have not only injured others, but have been injured or worse themselves.

“We are extremely grateful to the lady in Hill Paul who reported the fire and to the fire service for their prompt and professional work to contain and extinguish the fire.

Mike Gallagher took this photo which shows the building before Tuesday's fire

The design director said that once the building is safe Newland Homes would look at "the viability of this project".

“Once we are given the all clear we will arrange for appropriate structural assessment, before deciding how best to proceed.

“Even from an external visual inspection it appears this damage will impact upon the viability of this project, as the reinstatement works and costs will have to be revisited.

“However we will of course work towards a successful outcome for all concerned and to respect the important heritage this building represents.”

The site was part of plans for a wider redevelopment of Wallbridge, with 33 apartments, four townhouses and a commercial/retail unit due to be built on the site.

However, James Drew explained that costs for the development are already 'close to the wire'.

"With developments like this costs are close to the wire," he said.

"But Stroud has been good to us and we will do all that we can to make the plans viable."

The proposed plans were intended to redevelop the canal-side area

Plans for the proposed development of the site was due to incorporate the old warehouse, which is listed by Historic England at Grade 2.

Emergency services were called to Wallbridge at about 4pm on Tuesday after a listed warehouse by the canal caught fire.

Ten firefighters tackled the blaze while four police cars attended to kept members of the public at a safe distance.

Debris from the building was seen falling into the canal, with pieces of the walls and roof collapsing.

Fire crews extinguished the fire and an investigation into its cause began.

The fire damaged building Pic: Darren Hughes

In February 2017 the SNJ reported on the battle to create a striking 37-house canal-side development right next to Stroud railway station after it was finally been given the go-ahead.

Cheltenham-based developer Newland Homes was given planning permission completely transform the derelict and overgrown storage yard at Bath Place in Cheapside.

The land lies overlooking the regenerated Upper Wallbridge Lock section of the Thames and Severn Canal and is slotted right in-between the Cotswold Canals Trust and the towering orange Hill Paul building.

Additionally the development would provide opportunities for mooring for up to six canal boats, and finally open up Stroud town centre directly to thousands of visitors from the canal network.

Here are the plans that were intended for the canal-side development:

Our initial report on the fire here:

Pictures by Newland Homes and Mike Gallagher

http://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/15113891.Striking_waterside_development_with_37_apartments__shop_and_canal_mooring_set_to_completely_transform_key_area_of_Stroud/