Council seeks developer for port site

By Mark Wilding

A crucial site in a multi-million pound canalside redevelopment scheme is now open to commercial ventures.

Stroud District Council is looking for a developer to invest £7.9m in Brimscombe Port.

The site was previously earmarked for industrial use, but the council is keen to see an employment-led commercial venture and will work with developers to make sure planning permission is granted for this.

The Heritage Lottery Fund will provide £12m for the regeneration of the Cotswold canals if a developer for Brimscombe Port is found.

The council became the lead partner for the Cotswold regeneration in December and has invested £2.3m in the scheme.

Dave Marshall, marketing officer at Stroud district council, said: "This is a cracking development opportunity to produce a real flagship scheme."

More than one party has expressed interest, but a decision has not yet been made.

Brimscombe Port was once the largest UK inland port, used for moving cargo from the Thames to the Severn.

It became an industrial site but in recent years has become increasingly run down. It is hoped the re-development will provide jobs and rejuvenate the area.