THE FIVE Valleys Shopping Centre saw an increase in visitors last year. 

A host of new businesses have also opened at the shopping centre, which saw an increase of 4.5 per cent of visitors during 2023, compared to the previous year. 

2024 begins with only three vacant units and several businesses are celebrating entering their sixth year in business, supporting more than 400 jobs.

The centre was developed and continues to be managed by South Yorkshire-based regeneration specialists, Dransfield Properties.

Managing director, James Shepherd, said: “We’re proud of our ongoing work in Stroud.

"We have delivered what we promised in terms of beautiful architecture, a mix of uses including residential and office space, accessible medical facilities and a quality food market providing independent businesses a space to set up a new venture and grow.”

More services will join the centre with the opening of the county council’s library this year.

More than £30m investment has been made to the centre during its refurbishment with more to follow with the completion of the programme.

Tesco will be opening their express store in February and two new national names will be announced soon, filling the void left by Wilko.

Centre manager at Five Valleys, Jack Simpson, said: “We’ve built a fantastic community of local artisans and producers that sit well alongside our larger high street names.

"We know how important it is to the Stroud community to support local and champion the town’s independents, so we hope that support continues throughout 2024.”

With just three units remaining, as well as office space availability from Easter, anyone interested in finding out more is encouraged to contact Olly Jansen at olly.jansen@dransfield.co.uk.