Leisure centre construction to start after delays

Construction can begin on a leisure centre after revised regeneration plans were approved by councillors.

New leisure, community and commercial facilities will now be developed at the former Gloucestershire College site at Five Acres, near Coleford, as part of the Levelling Up the Forest programme.

A "large and modern" gym, full-sized 3G pitch, changing rooms, and soft play areas have been included following the review said Sid Phelps, cabinet member for property and projects at Forest of Dean District Council (FODDC), said.

Councillors backed the reviewed plans unanimously following delays due to rising inflation, with construction hoped to begin this summer.

In February 2024 FODDC secured planning permission to develop the first phase of facilities at the site.

Mr Phelps said the council wanted "the best possible facilities" for residents, but also wanted to ensure the "hugely important" project was "financially sustainable".

"Having received the unanimous backing of councillors, I am excited to say that we can now move on to the next stage of the Five Acres redevelopment and begin construction of this fantastic project," he said.

To help reduce refurbishment costs and respond to the climate emergency, FODDC successfully applied for £200,000 from the Government's Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

The money will support the installation of a new air source heat pump system, radiators and roofing insulation.

As part of phase one of the project, the Speedwell Building will be turned into new office and community spaces and a cafe and outreach space for Hartpury's University's Aspiration Centre.

Phase two of the project will focus on the 3G artificial pitch and floodlights, for which FODDC is awaiting Football Foundation funding approval.

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.