Our Vision for Brimscombe Port
Redevelopment of Brimscombe Port UNVEILED
The exciting proposals for the redevelopment of Brimscombe Port were unveiled by St Modwen Homes at a public meeting held in August 2022. These plans can be found here.
Brimscombe Port is a former inland port dating back to the 1780s. Following the decline of the canals as a mode of transport the port became redundant and was in-filled after the Second World War, and latterly developed as an industrial site in the 1960s. Until recently, the port site was industrial site but was showing signs of its age.
As such, Stroud District Council had a new vision for the port which offered a rare opportunity to create a sustainable mixed use community, servicing the needs of both the existing and future residents. As one lifelong local resident said “putting the heart back into Brimscombe”.
From then until now...
Situated between the town of Stroud and the village of Chalford, Brimscombe Port is a stunning location at the foot of the Cotswold escarpment, next to the River Frome and Thames and Severn Canal.
Brimscombe Port started life in 1779 and became a key transfer point for sea-going barges to narrow boats accommodating some 100 vessels at its height. Sadly the canal and basin were filled in after the Second World War. The canal headquarters, which then became a school, was demolished as part of road straightening in the 1960s. The Port took on a new lease of life as an industrial estate, becoming home to a number businesses, including the family run ring binder company Benson & Sons. Sadly, as businesses moved out of the site, it started to fall into disrepair.
Recently, the Port was a temporary home to a number of Community Interest Companies whilst viability for the site was assessed and funding was secured. This year saw plans take a significant step forward and work began to get the site ready....
"An exemplar and sustainable community, integrated with the existing surroundings."
Since 2004, with a number of community consultations, Brimscombe and Thrupp Parish Council, Stroud District Council and other stakeholders have been developing a vision for a redeveloped Port. The shared vision includes a port basin, re-opened canal, energy efficient housing, employment, visitor and community facilities.
In July 2022, St. Modwen Homes was selected to bring this vision to life.
St. Modwen Homes is now drawing up a detailed planning application for the redevelopment proposals which will include public consultation over the coming months, which started with a public meeting held on Wednesday 10 August 2022 at Brimscombe Port Mill.