Prinknash Abbey, a former Benedictine monastery near Gloucester, is poised for a dramatic transformation into a residential complex as part of a £20 million redevelopment project. Situated between Brockworth and Painswick along the A46, the abbey housed up to 89 monks from 1972 until 2008. Since its closure, the building has remained vacant, but new plans aim to breathe life back into this historic site.
Stroud District Council recently received a detailed planning application outlining the vision to convert the abbey into 28 contemporary homes. The proposal includes eight three-bedroom houses, five three-bedroom apartments, 14 two-bedroom apartments, and one one-bedroom apartment, thoughtfully designed to maintain the abbey’s architectural integrity.
The development also plans to provide essential amenities such as resident parking equipped with electric vehicle charging points, cycle storage facilities, and a dedicated refuse and recycling area. An innovative addition to the site is the creation of a Glass House, a public space designed to showcase the monastery’s renowned stained-glass windows and offer visitors a unique cultural experience.
Previous attempts to redevelop the site in 2016 and 2017, which involved demolishing the abbey, were rejected. In contrast, the current proposal by Dillon Enterprises Ltd respects the historic structure, with the support of the Abbey’s trustees. Structural assessments by Bristol-based engineering firm Curtins confirm the building’s stability and suitability for renovation.
Community engagement has been positive, with a public consultation held in September drawing around 50 attendees. Feedback was “overwhelmingly positive,” with local residents expressing enthusiasm and support for the project. Stephen Day, chair of the Abbey’s trustees, emphasized the importance of revitalizing the building, stating it is “absolutely essential” to bring the abbey back to life.
The planning application remains under consultation, with aspirations to preserve Prinknash Abbey’s heritage while adapting it for modern living.