Forest of Dean District Council hopes that the building of a new community and leisure centre at Five Acres can finally begin next year, with updated plans being revealed this August 2025.
The council has released details and images from its latest 'masterplan' for the project, which has been hit with delays caused by inflation and 'substantial' global price rises since £9.2 million of government funding was secured for it in 2021.
The scheme's first phase now includes an area for soft play, party rooms, power-assisted exercise rooms, a group exercise space, a large 53-station gym and a cafe, at the former college site near Coleford.
The upper floors of the former Speedwell Building will also be repurposed to create new office and community spaces, as well as an outreach space for Hartpury University’s 'aspiration centre'.
Then, subject to a live planning application, the council hopes to build a 3G artificial pitch with floodlights and spectator area, designed for football and rugby use in phase two of the project, funding for which was secured from the Football Association in January 2025.
Some facilities that were planned for previously, including a multi-purpose four-court sports hall and performance space, are not part of the new masterplan.
The council hopes to get a 'guaranteed price' from a contractor for the building works this autumn after which a programme of works for the first phase will be laid out, according to local democracy reporter Carmelo Garcia, with building set to begin sometime next year.
The project stalled after planning permission was granted in February 2024, following years of consultation with design experts and the local community, along with initial demolition and site preparation works.
A deadline to spend its allocated funding, initially set for March this year, was extended by 12 months in January 2025.
Councillors agreed in March to put another £1.8 million in to the scheme to see it delivered, albeit with alterations to what was originally proposed.
The inability to deliver performing arts space and a swimming pool – both of which the public said they wanted at the site during consultation – is a source frustration for councillors.
But councillor Sid Phelps, cabinet member for property and projects with oversight of Five Acres, said of the latest plans: 'The new facility at Five Acres has been designed to cater for residents of all ages and abilities.
'We have also listened to and taken on board feedback from residents and community groups and have allocated space for potential future phases including a swimming pool and tennis courts, subject to further funding opportunities.
'As a council, we are excited by these new developments on the project and will be sharing more information on the phase one build over the coming weeks.'
