NEW life is to be breathed into Stroud after a flurry of businesses revealed they will open imminently in the town centre.

Four more businesses are on the cusp of opening up - hot on the heels of four places that came to the town recently. 

Stroud Waffles, Bodhi Beauty, Gateway to India and Heather Coleman Jewellery are already open.

Now an estate agents, a restaurant, a vintage clothing shop and a patisserie will be joining them bringing welcome relief after a string of recent closures. 

Tony Davey, chairman of Stroud Chamber of Trade, said: “After the lockdowns we saw a number of premises becoming vacant in Stroud town centre.

“It’s very encouraging to see businesses moving into some of these properties and that we continue to see a mix of both new businesses and established businesses who continue to grow and thrive.”

Among the new businesses is Leaders Letting and Estate Agents which will take over the former Age UK shop in Stroud High Street. 

The estate agents will will move in on June 1 after previously being based in Lansdown. 

Leaders senior branch manager David Skeats said: “Leaders has been in Stroud since 2014 however the branch has been relocated from Lansdown into the town centre.

“The company have invested a lot of money in the unit and the future of the business in Stroud and see it as a fantastic place to operate in.”

New restaurant Fat Toni’s is also opening to give a boost to Stroud’s night-time economy. 

The restaurant will be at the Five Valleys Shopping Centre, next to Vue Cinema.

“Their latest restaurant will give fresh life to Stroud’s night-time economy, allowing families to experience a true Italian dining experience before seeing the latest blockbuster at Vue Cinema,” said Jessica Derham, Five Valleys Centre manager. 

“We’re very proud to have Fat Toni’s as one of our independent businesses. They are a great family business who are full of energy!”

A vintage clothing shop is also set to replace Ladbrokes in Gloucester Street, right next to the High Street. 

The shop will sell different brands such as Ralph Lauren, Adidas, Fred Perry and Champion. 

Finally, a patisserie - Choux Bun Appétit - will be opening its first ever shop - this will be in the Five Valleys Shopping Centre. 

“This has been a dream of mine to move the business forward and create a space for you to sit down and enjoy some of my pastries and a hot drink,” said owner Josh Ambridge.

“I cannot explain how thankful I am for each and everyone of you - every bit of support has helped me get to where I am today."