Peter Joy leave Stroud High Street for Brimscombe chapel

Peter Joy Estate Agents - which was previously based in London Road - has just taken over the Old Chapel as a new office for both its lettings and Stroud sales teams.

The move sees a break away from the traditional town centre model of business. Instead, the firm's new office will be based at the old chapel in Brimscombe - on the edge of Stroud - which they describe as 'a fantastic opportunity.'

Once a centre for worship, the 19th-century stone building has been revamped to become a modern workspace, with high ceilings, beautiful furnishings and stylish artwork, while still retaining its Cotswold character.

The chapel occupies a prominent position in an area which is about to undergo major redevelopment at Brimscombe Port.

Plans are in place for the creation of more than 150 energy-efficient homes, a port basin, a re-opened canal and employment, visitor and community facilities.

Jake Mortlock, a director of Peter Joy, said: "We are conscious we are very much ploughing our own furrow here in terms of taking on a large statement building, when so many businesses are questioning the need for a physical premises, but it's always been vital to us that there's a customer-facing space to engage with the public in.

"We pride ourselves on the fact we sell interesting properties for our clients, so this is a great opportunity to be in an interesting property ourselves."

However, the company, which has been working in the Stroud and Nailsworth area for nearly 25 years, is keen to stress that it is not turning its back on the High Street.

"This was not a conscious decision to leave the High Street, more a fantastic opportunity for Peter Joy to expand, as we felt we had outgrown our previous premises.

"We still understand the value of the town High Street and our Nailsworth office will remain in Fountain Street."

The company feels the Old Chapel headquarters is a new way of doing business.

"We have taken an individual and forward-thinking step, the point of which is to give our employees a fantastic space to work in, while being more visible and accessible than ever before to the public.

"It's a lovely space for the public to come and meet us and start their home search, with the benefit of free parking on site."