Festival Road, Stonehouse, Gloucester

Background

Festival Road in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, had become a symbol of long-term neglect. Boarded-up garages, fire damage, asbestos roofing, and persistent antisocial behaviour had turned it into a daily concern, especially for the children and parents who walked the footpath running through its centre on their way to and from school.

The site also includes a substation operated by National Grid, who retain access rights and the right to lay and maintain cables across the land. These legal and physical constraints make redevelopment for alternative uses unviable, despite a common misconception that all garage sites can be easily repurposed.

Recognising both the site’s potential and its importance to the local community, Courtman & Co. were appointed to lead a full transformation.

Strategy & Delivery

We approached the project with a clear goal: to deliver practical improvements that would restore the site’s function, enhance its appearance, and ensure long-term viability, both as a secure asset and a safer space for the community. Transformation highlights:

Asbestos Remediation: Safe removal of hazardous roofing materials in full compliance with HSE standards
Fire Damage Repair: Structural assessment and repair of fire-affected units
New Infrastructure: Installation of modern garage doors, secure perimeter fencing, robust access gates, and repair of forecourt surface
Surveillance Upgrade: Deployment of new CCTV cameras to deter antisocial behaviour and enhance site security

Outcomes

The transformation of Festival Road delivered measurable results, both financially and for the wider community:

Occupancy Rate: 100% of the 22 garages let.
Rental Income: £23 per week, with new lets achieving £26 per week.
Annual Gross Income: £26,312, with minimal ongoing maintenance.
Community Impact: Enhanced safety and a more inviting space for families using the footpath
Security: Significant reduction in antisocial behaviour due to surveillance and secure access

“The transformation of the garages at Festival Road has had a real impact. The area feels noticeably safer and more secure, and the improvements have significantly enhanced the site’s appearance. It’s fantastic to see this kind of investment, it’s a real benefit to the whole neighbourhood.”
– Local Resident, Festival Road, Stonehouse

Conclusion

Festival Road now stands as a testament to what thoughtful investment and expert management can achieve. What was once a boarded-up liability is now a fully let, high-performing asset, and a safer, cleaner space for the families who pass through it every day.

For Courtman & Co., it’s not just about unlocking value, it’s about restoring pride in place.

This project also serves as a reminder: even the most neglected spaces can be reimagined to deliver lasting value, financially, socially, and environmentally, when regeneration is approached with care, insight, and purpose.