A multi-million-pound project to build a new community, sports and leisure facility in the Forest of Dean has been granted a 12-month extension by the UK government, following delays to its delivery caused by rising construction costs.
The regeneration of the former Gloucester College site at Five Acres near Coleford — set to include a new sports hall; 3G sports pitch; community and business space; and an outreach education centre for Hartpury University — was granted planning permission in February 2024, after Forest of Dean District Council secured £9.2 million of funding from the previous government's Levelling Up Fund in 2021.
Following years of consultation with design experts and the local community, along with initial demolition and site preparation works, construction was expected to begin in the first part of 2024, but has been delayed with the council citing inflation and 'substantial' global price rises since the funding was initially secured.
The council said in April 2024 that it was working with its design and build contractor BAM to identify ways to cut costs — with the deadline to spend the Levelling Up funding initially set for March 2025.
Having applied for an extension from the government, a new deadline of March 2026 has now been set, leaving the council to focus on delivering the first phase of construction.
Cabinet member for economy, Johnathan Lane, said: 'This extension is essential to provide sufficient time for us to enter into a detailed construction contract and begin the first phase of development at Five Acres.
'We remain committed to delivering a leisure and sporting facility that can be enjoyed by the local community in Berry Hill and the wider Forest of Dean.
'We will be continuing to work hard with partners to deliver this ambitious and exciting project and will continue to provide updates and communications during the process.'
The council is also set to apply for funding from the Football Association to go towards its 3G pitch, which will include floodlights and a spectator area as part of phase two of the project, this January 2025.
