Skip navigation

Gloucestershire Business News

£12m plans submitted for retail and leisure centre

A £10 million deal has seen a Gloucestershire town's retail and leisure centre pass into the hands of a specialist development company with big plans.

And that company, Dransfield Properties Ltd, has already submitted plans for what is being described as "major improvements" to the tune of £12million.

The retail and leisure quarter at the heart of the fast-moving plans - which are backed by GFirst LEP, the Gloucestershire organisation charged with driving the county's economy - is Merrywalks Shopping Centre in Stroud.

Mark Dransfield, managing director of Dransfield Properties, said: "Our professional team has been working on these plans for the last few months and we are delighted to be submitting our comprehensive proposals to transform Merrywalks into an attractive retail environment which will fit in and complement the town.

"We have had really positive feedback from local stakeholder, businesses and shoppers to the proposals.

"Merrywalks has suffered from a lack of investment in recent years and we are looking forward to starting work on a project which will transform this part of the town and bring new businesses and opportunities to Stroud."

The applications submitted are said to outline a phased programme of investment and improvements in excess of £12 million to "reverse the fortunes" of the "run down" market town.

The applications are for full planning permission and listed building consent for the major transformation which will also include new retail and residential units as well as an upgrading of the appearance and layout of the car park and better connectively to the rest of the town centre.

A new Edwardian style entrance would be created on King Street as well as a wholescale refurbishment of the "outdated" mall areas "to create a contemporary and attractive retail environment".

Other changes include new high quality office and residential accommodation as well as new and refurbished retail, restaurant and coffee shop units and external improvements to the gym, bowling alley and cinema.

Dransfield Properties is based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, and was founded 26 years ago. The company is billed as having a track record of turning around the fortunes of struggling town centres and retail destinations - the company specialises in the market town sector.

GFirst Lep is providing a £1 million loan and a £3 million grant for the town centre project which it hopes will attract a host of new businesses to Stroud.

The proposals were outlined at a busy public consultation session at Merrywalks in June which was attended by more than 350 people.

85 per cent of people who attended the consultation and filled out a feedback form indicated that they were in favour of the improvements.

Picture shows: artists impression of the new King Street entrance.

Related Articles

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise Image

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise

Forest of Dean-based advanced engineering group Versarien saw its revenues halve last year.

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service Image

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service

Gloucester-based Freemans Event Partners has launched a brand-new around-the-clock foodservice logistics offer.

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court Image

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court

Just three offices are now available for rent at Elmbridge Court, following the latest letting.

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking Image

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking

Better parking and traffic control improvements for Cirencester residents and businesses.

Copyright 2024 Moose Partnership Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any content is strictly forbidden without prior permission.