Temporary use explored for port as development stalls

Temporary uses for a former port, which had been earmarked for housing before the developer pulled out, are being considered by a council.

Brimscombe Port, in Stroud, was due to be turned into a 150 home canal-side development by St Modwen Homes but the scheme was dropped after the developer was bought by US firm Miller Homes.

Stroud District Council is now considering a "meanwhile use" or temporary uses for the former inland port and has agreed to set aside £10,000 for the scheme.

Council leader Chloe Turner, said she was "particularly pleased" to see the "meanwhile use at Brimscombe Port" among other projects included in the council's budget for 2026/27.

Last year, Turner said the district council would be "moving as fast as [it] can" and "as soon as [it] can" with the flagship project as it did not want the site "languishing".

But while the council looks for a new development partner who shares their vision for the site, councillors have agreed to set up a refreshed project board to help guide the next phase, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

It will also be exploring temporary uses for the site so it can benefit the community while longer-term plans take shape.

Brimscombe Port dates back to the 1780s and was used to transport cargo along the River Thames and River Severn.

In 1933 the port closed and later, in the 1960s, the canal and basin were filled and a road built over them.

The redevelopment, which was due to break ground this year, included 150 homes, public spaces, shops, businesses and the restoration of the canal basin.

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