Man on a bike near a train

Stroud set to be transformed as District Council submit levelling up bid

Stroud District Council have submitted a bid for £15 million worth of levelling up funding that could transform the area’s gateways, connections, and key sites.

The funding will go towards the regeneration of important spaces in the town, by transforming them into locations that can provide residents with a sense of pride, as well as a place where they are happy to spend their time. Projects include green space in Wallbridge being transformed, land will be purchased to develop homes, and 11 new affordable business incubator units in the Five Valleys Shopping Centre.

Cultural sites being redeveloped is a large part of the second round of the government’s levelling up plans, and Stroud is no different. Lansdown Hall, Subscription Rooms, and Brunel Goods Shed will all be given internal improvements as well as ramped access being put into aid accessibility.

Whilst net zero is not directly part of the levelling up strategy, there are often similarities between the two plans. Stroud District Council are intending to make it easier for pedestrians, cyclists, and those who use public transport to access the town, whilst also supporting their transition to net zero. Improved cycle routes and pedestrian walkways in Wallbridge, Rodborough, and the town centre, as well as opening up the car park at Brunel Mall to reduce traffic in the town centre and add additional parking to the station. Bus facilities will also be improved.

Doina Cornell, Leader of Stroud District Council, said:

“We know that Stroud is one of, if not the best place in the UK to live, work and visit.

We can see the potential the town has to be even greater, with Levelling Up Fund investment. We want people coming in town to have gateways that welcome and invite.

Our bid honours Stroud’s past by preserving its historical and cultural identity, it addresses the needs of the present and opens our town up to all.

It secures the future for visitors and the vital economy they bring, for the businesses who can see the potential the town has and what it can offer and to the people who choose to live here in years to come and continue to make Stroud the best place to live.”

Thanks to the criteria of the bidding process, some of the improvements that are required in Stroud could not be included, however the District Council is working alongside some of the key stakeholders as part of a LUF Task Force to complete other improvements in the vicinity of the town centre that will have wider benefits. These stakeholders include Stroud Town Council, Great Western Railway and Gloucestershire County Council.

Public Sector Executive, Feb/March, Cover

PSE Feb/March, 23

Greater choice, greater results

Our February/March 2023 edition of PSE brings you expert comment and analysis on a range of key public sector topics, from EV infrastructure to Digital transformation and reducing carbon emissions. Learn how the UK Government is investing in highway and freight innovation or read Cllr Matthew Hicks discuss the first step towards an exciting future for Suffolk, alongside so much more…

Videos...

View all videos
#PSE365: Public Sector Decarbonisation

Be A Part Of It!

PSE365: Public Sector Decarbonisation Virtual Event | 21 Mar 2023

PSE has created a full calendar of events to address the most important issues that influence the delivery of public sector services. 

Over 365 days you’ll have the opportunity to hear from a range of highly motivating, informative and inspirational speakers. These speakers will equip you with knowledge and unique insight to enable you to overcome the challenges that you face.

Industry Survey

What are the biggest issues facing the Public Sector?

 Public Sector Executive is undergoing some in-depth research around the issues the Public Sector is facing and the importance of deploying and using new technology within Public Sector organisations. 

We are asking for your help to better understand how public sector organisations are utilising technology to support their digital strategy and your opinion on what the biggest issues facing the public sector are.

This survey only takes a couple of minutes to complete and to thank you for your time and for filling out our survey, we'll enter you into a prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher.

In order to assist public sector organisations with improving their existing technology estate, we hope to leverage our findings to share best practises and innovations across the public sector.

More articles...

View all