PEOPLE can have their say on ambitious plans to transform the space outside the Subscription Rooms at a public event.

Stroud Town Council is holding a consultation drop-in session on Saturday 2 April from 10am-4pm at the Subscription Rooms.

It will be an opportunity for people to discuss with the design team and consultants the proposed plan to transform the space in front of the Sub Rooms into an attractive town square.

The proposal includes levelling up the area which is currently sloping and enclose it with seating, planting and a canopy of trees.

It also includes a proposal to improve access to the Sub Rooms by lifting the level of the floor in entrance hall and removing the internal steps and ramp. There would then be a new ramp from the Kendrick Street side which would arrive at a new platform at the entrance – created by adding a couple of new steps.

The entrance door would be lifted up and the doors rehung. That would mean once you reach the front door of the Subs your journey into the building would be completely flat.

"So far more than 120 people have responded to our online consultation and we are hoping scores more will drop in on Saturday to discuss the proposal with the experts," said Councillor Stella Parkes, Chair of the Town Council Regeneration Committee.

"This is very much the first stage of the process and this is the initial design. By sharing your thoughts and asking questions you will play a very active part in shaping this space to ensure it can be accessed and enjoyed by everyone."

The project is planned to be one part of a Levelling Up Fund bid for Stroud town centre, once the Government announces bid criteria, which is expected this Spring.

Stroud District Council is the lead partner in drawing up a bid, with partners including the Stroud MP, Stroud Town Council, Gloucestershire County Council, Network Rail, Great Western Railway, GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership and Stroud & District Chamber of Trade & Commerce.

The consultation period will run until 29 April. People can leave their feedback on the website: https://stroudtownsquare.commonplace.is/

People can also vote on what species of trees they would like to see planted.