Development on derelict Cotswold Canals

THOUGH Brimscombe Port is on the derelict Cotswold Canals, developers still see the advantage of development.

There has been a £3 million investment towards infrastructure works, that councillors believe will become  'a thriving new heart and soul' for Brimscombe, Alan Tilbury reports.

200 waterside homes

Stroud District Council has announced the updated spending plans as part of its long-term budget blueprint last week, with the authority wanting to completely redevelop the historic inland port, building around 200 waterside homes, a new community centre, cafés, bars and shops and restoring part of the canal and installing a quayside.

A new road bridge over the derelict canal is in the process of being designed, with the intention of providing more money to create access that will be attractive to developers.

Filled in

Brimscombe was originally an inland port on the canal with quays, but was filled in during the 1930s, but there is the intention to recreate the port and quays, that could form part of the Cotswold Canals should it ever be re-opened.

A new canal channel will be dug to replace the original line, with a raised bridge to allow boats to pass underneath, and proposed moorings.