Plans submitted to transform Stroud’s Merrywalks Centre

Plans submitted to transform Stroud’s Merrywalks Centre

3 July 2018

Proposals to transform Stroud’s Merrywalks Shopping Centre have been submitted to Stroud District Council’s planning department this week.

The new owners, Yorkshire based Dransfield Properties Ltd, have outlined a range of major improvements at the town centre shopping destination just one week after it was announced that they have purchased the centre for £10 million.

The applications outline a phased programme of investment and improvements in excess of £12 million which will reverse the fortunes of the run down centre and attract new retailers to the Gloucestershire 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A stunning new Edwardian style entrance will be created on King Street as well as a wholescale refurbishment of the outdated mall areas to create a contemporary and attractive retail environment.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 has 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 also providing a £1 million loan and a £3 million grant for the town centre project which will elevate the town’s retail standing and 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 – many commenting that the investment was long overdue in the town.

Managing Director of Dransfield Properties, Mark Dransfield 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.”

To find out more about Dransfield Properties visit www.dransfield.co.uk

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

For further information, contact:

Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: pr@dransfield.co.uk