Cinderford is witnessing a strong, united push to combat the decline of its town centre, which has suffered from multiple shop closures in recent years. In 2023, the town recorded the highest vacancy rate among the four Forest of Dean market towns, with 18% of premises empty.
A 2024 Market Town Regeneration report underscored the need for a comprehensive plan to revitalize shopping and overall community life in the area. In response, the Forest of Dean District Council appointed a market towns officer last year to spearhead efforts and attract shoppers and job opportunities to these vital centres.
Now, Cinderford Town Council, Forest of Dean District Council, and Gloucestershire County Council are collaborating closely on a strategic plan to breathe new life into the town. The District Council’s survey of 948 residents revealed that fewer than 20% felt their local town caters well to families, children, or young people, a gap contributing to many young residents seeking entertainment in nearby Ross or Gloucester.
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As the largest town in the district with nearly 13,000 residents, Cinderford has significant potential, especially as it lies within a region drawing millions of tourists annually. One exciting vision is to position Cinderford as the Forest of Dean’s hub for visual arts—a concept explored in the regeneration report.
The town’s rich industrial heritage could be celebrated through dedicated events, such as a local equivalent of Trevithick Day in Cornwall, or by linking smaller projects to form a heritage trail reminiscent of Cornwall’s World Heritage mining sites. Vacant lots may be offered at low or no cost to support arts, culture, and heritage initiatives that celebrate Cinderford’s tradition of craftsmanship, skilled trades, and creativity.
Moreover, Cinderford could carve out a new identity as a pioneer market town leading the Forest of Dean’s transition to renewable energy, creating fresh opportunities for industry and community growth.
Town Council chairman Graham Morgan expressed optimism about the collective ambition behind the regeneration effort. A former mining town, Cinderford has faced significant challenges since major employers like Rank Xerox shut operations nearby in the early 2000s, leaving a lasting economic impact.
Reform UK County Councillor Ray Donaghue emphasized the importance of collaboration among landlords, local authorities, and service providers to improve the town’s appearance and functionality. He highlighted that maintaining welcoming, safe, and attractive public spaces is vital to reversing the town’s decline, despite financial and operational challenges.
“By each playing our part, we can restore Cinderford to the town it deserves to be,” Donaghue said. He noted that many committed residents are stepping forward to support this vision, and cross-party cooperation is fostering new hope for meaningful progress.
A town plan is in development, encouraging ongoing public and stakeholder engagement to realize a shared future for Cinderford.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Julian Tooke, responsible for business and economic development, reaffirmed the commitment to supporting Cinderford and the Forest of Dean through initiatives like the proposed Business Improvement District (BID). BIDs, driven and funded by local businesses, enhance cleaning, security, marketing, and public spaces beyond what councils typically provide.
“It is our duty across all sectors to collaborate in solving these challenges,” Tooke stated. “I’m pleased to collaborate with local leaders toward creating a BID that will help our towns thrive.”
Together, these coordinated efforts offer real hope that Cinderford can revitalize its town centre and reclaim its place as a vibrant, welcoming community for residents and visitors alike.