A Stroud architects firm is expanding after moving into a former eyesore in King Street.

Davies Landscape Architects has relocated from Stroud House in Russell Street to the former Poundland.

The building next to Five Valleys Shopping Centre underwent a £6.5million transformation last year.

The architects, which has been running for 17 years, now plans to expand its staff from 12 to 16 to cope with a growing portfolio of clients. It offers a range of services covering landscape design and planning  in the residential, leisure and commercial sectors.

Mike Davies, managing director of Davies Landscape Architects, said: "We are thrilled to have secured these high quality offices, where we want to remain and grow as a business, offering our employees attractive and spacious working conditions in a highly energy efficient building."

Formerly a Woolworths and then Poundland, Number 1 King Street had fallen into disrepair but was extensively refurbished by Dransfield Properties last year.

It now houses medical facilities used by Locking Hill and Beeches Green GP practices , with physio and podiatry services relocating there this week and a new library starting to be fitted out this month.

Mr Davies said: "We used to have the best view of Poundland from our old office watching the pigeons fly in and out of the broken windows on the upper floor. The building was an eyesore, blighting the main approach into the town.

"We applaud Dransfield Properties for delivering transformational change in the town centre, which we believe will act as a catalyst for further town centre improvements.

Mark Dransfield, managing director of Dransfield Properties, said: "This building was only ever occupied on the ground floor. Now the building has been brought into full use with all four floors housing important community services.

"We're thrilled that this local well-established company has chosen number 1 King Street to expand their business."

The South Yorkshire based developer is also remodelling and managing the Five Valleys shopping centre next door.