Stroud District Council has successfully sold the historic Grade II Listed Brunel Goods Shed* to Stroud Valleys Artspace (SVA), ensuring its future as a vibrant cultural venue at the heart of Stroud.
The council purchased the building from Network Rail in March this year as part of its long-term plans for the regeneration of the Stroud Station Quarter.
The transfer marks a key milestone in the council’s vision for the town centre, working in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council, Stroud Town Council, Great Western Railway, Network Rail and London and Continental Railways. The area serves as a vital gateway to Stroud, connecting the canal with the high street and forming a cornerstone of the town’s ongoing regeneration.
Securing the Goods Shed for SVA will allow restoration of the building, improved access, and an expansion of community and cultural activities. It will act as a focal point for arts and community engagement while supporting wider regeneration initiatives in the Station Quarter.
Cllr Chloe Turner, Leader of Stroud District Council, said: “This is a fantastic example of how we’re delivering on our Council Plan priorities – supporting key regeneration sites and enabling investment in infrastructure that benefits our communities. The Goods Shed is a much-loved building, and we’re delighted to secure its future for arts, culture and community use.”
SVA has operated an arts and community programme at the Goods Shed for over a decade, but its long-term future was uncertain due to an expiring lease.
Jo Leahy, Joint Artistic Director of SVA, commented: “SVA has delivered an exciting arts and community programme at the Goods Shed for some 10 years, but this was threatened by our lease expiring next year. We are grateful for the council’s support in securing this exciting venue for the future.”
David Elford, Trustee and Project Manager, added: “Ownership will now allow SVA to seek further investment to make the Goods Shed fully accessible, improve energy efficiency, and enhance audience comfort while retaining the unique industrial heritage of the building.”
Elford also paid tribute to Stroud Preservation Trust for initially saving the building and to the Railway Heritage Trust for their grant contribution.
The handover of the Goods Shed follows Network Rail’s recent refurbishment of the Grade II-listed footbridge and canopies at Stroud railway station – together representing the first key investments in the wider Station Quarter regeneration project.
