Stroud’s beloved shopping destination is set for a grand reopening next week, celebrating a remarkable £31 million transformation. The iconic actress and presenter, Dame Joanna Lumley, will grace the town with her presence to officially launch the reinvented Five Valleys Shopping Centre.
Since acquiring the former Merrywalks Centre in 2018, Yorkshire-based property developer Dransfield Properties Ltd. has worked tirelessly to breathe new life into this once run-down complex. Their vision has reshaped the centre into a vibrant, modern hub that significantly elevates Stroud’s town centre.
The extensive redevelopment features a cutting-edge medical centre, Stroud’s brand-new town library, and a dynamic food hall alongside a bustling street food market. Complementing these offerings are contemporary office spaces and a unique retail mix, proudly housing 85% local independent traders.
Leisure amenities enhance the centre’s appeal, with a cinema and Stroud Bowl, the latter hosting both national and international competitions. This blend of facilities has transformed Five Valleys into a thriving, mixed-use community landmark.
The official opening ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 23, at 12:30 pm with Dame Joanna Lumley unveiling the latest addition: The Home of Vintage. This vibrant marketplace, featuring more than 30 traders, showcases an eclectic mix of vintage, retro, upcycled, and pre-loved treasures.
Adorned with colourful shutters and retro-inspired décor, The Home of Vintage brings together artists, makers, booksellers, home décor specialists, craftspeople, and pre-loved fashion vendors. Having launched its first phase in December, this April event reveals the complete line-up, cementing its status as the region’s premier vintage destination.
Mark Dransfield, Chairman of Dransfield Properties, reflected on the project: “Stroud is a unique town, and we wanted to create something truly vibrant that embodies its spirit. This redevelopment has been eight years in the making, and we are immensely proud of what we’ve achieved.
“Stroud has long embraced creativity and pre-loved culture, and The Home of Vintage perfectly captures this ethos while supporting independent and family-run businesses. Having Dame Joanna join us for this milestone adds a special significance to the occasion for both the town and our company.”
Augmented by murals, artwork, and a nostalgic soundtrack, The Home of Vintage injects fresh energy into Five Valleys, completing the centre’s extensive revitalisation and signaling an exciting new chapter for the community.