ONE of Stroud's biggest developments in recent years is nearing completion.

The £45 million development of Ebley Wharf is now in its third and final phase with 76 apartments and 30 town houses located by the canal off Westward Road.

A new village centre has also been built to include a small supermarket, hairdressers, a 70-seater restaurant, a sandwich shop, offices, a veterinary practice, shops and a leisure facility.

Building work began on the project 14 years ago but work stopped five years ago due to the economic climate.

However, last year developer Stroudwater Redevelopment Partnership was able to restart work on the project, which is now due to be finished in September.

Now all that is needed are businesses to come forward to become involved.

Roland Tanner, director of Stroudwater Redevelopment Partnership, said: "This is a complete development and anyone starting a business here will enjoy growth in a nice environment right next to the canal.

"The Cotswold Canals Partnership is working very hard to open the canal network beyond our development, which is already seeing vast numbers of people using the canal footpaths

"Also the new swing-bridge we have built will connect the village centre directly to the new canal walkways and the Stroud District Council offices which will create a busy hub of activity."