Developer chosen to build 150 homes at historic Gloucestershire port

St Modwen has been named as the developer tasked with transforming Brimscombe Port in the Five Valleys into a site for 150 sustainable homes – with a first public consultation on the project already fast approaching.

By Andrew Merrell | Published Friday 29 July 2022

Brimscombe Port near Stroud is on the verge of being redeveloped by Birmingham-based St Modwen Homes, on behalf of Stroud District Council.

The brownfield site, pictured before its clearance, has been earmarked for development since 2018.

Artist's impressions show how Brimscombe Port could look after its redevelopment.

At the end of 2018, Stroud District Council announced the idea for a multi-million pound redevelopment of Brimscombe Port - and now the plans for the canalside scheme have reached another key milestone.

St Modwen Homes has been named as the firm to take on the project, with the local authority hoping it will breathe new life into the historic site and canal basin, including creating a destination for boaters and other tourists.

According to the council, work will start behind-the-scenes in August 2022 to transform the former industrial site into what it calls ‘a new waterside community’ of more than 150 new sustainable homes, 30 per cent of which are classed as ‘affordable housing’.

A date has also been set for the first public consultation to discuss the scheme, which hasn't been without controversy, most notably when fans of former tenants Rush Skatepark realised it would mean the closure of the popular venue.

Jeremy Attwater, regional managing director for the Birmingham-headquartered St Modwen Homes, said: ‘This is a fantastic project. Even as a brownfield site, we see so much potential to create something truly special for the community and the wider district.

'We will retain the heritage buildings, including the listed stone-built Port Mill and Salt Warehouse and we are keen to ensure the new development is sympathetic to its surroundings'.

Beki Aldam, ward councillor for Brimscombe, said: ‘Our vision for ‘an exemplar and sustainable community, integrated with the existing surroundings’ is really taking shape now and we are looking forward to seeing all the hard work by so many coming to fruition'.

The development is expected to include public spaces, commercial, retail, leisure, community and business facilities and the restoration of the canal basin which was filled in after the Second World War.

St Modwen Homes will now draw up a detailed planning application for the redevelopment proposals, which will include public consultation over the coming months, starting with a public meeting on Wednesday 10 August 2022 between 2.30pm and 8.00pm at Brimscombe Port Mill.

Stroud District Council