New plans for a scaled-down but urgently needed leisure centre in the Forest of Dean have received council approval despite concerns about looming deadlines. Forest of Dean District Council is set to press ahead with building new facilities at Five Acres after securing the green light from councillors.
The project, backed by £9.2 million in levelling-up funding awarded in 2021, has faced multiple obstacles. Last year, the council agreed to borrow an additional £1.8 million to keep the scheme afloat. With the spending deadline now extended to March 2026, a revised phased plan aims to move the development forward.
Phase one will focus on redeveloping the former Royal Forest of Dean College site on Monmouth Road, Berry Hill. The refurbishment of the Speedwell building will introduce a soft play area, two party rooms, and toilet facilities on the ground floor. The first floor will feature two multi-use community rooms, a cycling exercise room, and a studio, while seven rooms on the second floor will accommodate Hartpury College.
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An extension to the Speedwell building is also planned, housing a café, kitchen, changing rooms for two teams and officials, along with associated toilets and showers on the ground floor. Above, there will be an exercise studio and gym, complete with changing areas, toilets, and showers.
Phase two will bring forward the previously approved sports hall, though the council acknowledges the possibility that this stage may not proceed. Development Manager Clive Reynolds explained that phasing allows construction to begin within current financial and time constraints.
At the development management committee, Berry Hill councillors Tim Gwilliam and Jamie Elsmore expressed ambivalence about the scaled-back proposals, describing them as a compromise rather than the original vision. They reflected on the longstanding community aspiration for quality sports and leisure amenities and lamented the ongoing impacts since the old sports centre’s closure.
They also referenced the council’s controversial decision to relocate Gloucestershire College to Cinderford’s Northern Quarter, which adversely affected the Five Acres site, calling it “a low point in our council’s history.” Despite the setbacks, they acknowledged a shared commitment with the community to “make things right and renew.”
Councillor John Francis raised concerns about further reductions in facility size and questioned the fate of funds should the project remain incomplete. These worries about the phased delivery were echoed by Chairman Dave Wheeler, who plans to address them further.
Ultimately, the committee approved the revised proposals with 11 votes in favour and one abstention, marking a step forward for the long-awaited leisure centre redevelopment.