With demolition at Five Acres now complete, Forest of Dean District Council are progressing with the redevelopment and design of the new leisure, enterprise and education facility at Five Acres.

And leading independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Pick Everard have been chosen to assist on the project.

Cabinet member for communities, Cllr Paul Hiett, said: "Bringing this specialist team on board is a huge moment in the regeneration of the Five Acres site at Berry Hill.

"Pick Everard are well renowned national design consultants and have worked on many similar leisure-led projects across the UK, so we're very excited to work alongside them to deliver the best facility for our residents.

"We understand that the development of Five Acres needs to be something that works for the local community and we'll be holding further discussions and drop-in events so that residents can have their say on the emerging designs. This will be communicated across our website and social media in due course.

"I'd like to personally thank all staff and officers who have been involved in the project so far and look forward to seeing the progression at Five Acres."

As part of the successful Levelling Up Fund bid, the initial plans for Five Acres include the refurbishment and extension of the existing Speedwell Building to provide new community space and leisure facilities along with new business space to help local economic recovery and support local business growth.

Plans also include a range of indoor and outdoor sports facilities and, working in partnership with Hartpury University and College, it will facilitate the introduction of the Aspiration Academy, an outreach education centre.

Pick Everard are based in offices across the UK, employing over 600 staff, and have operated for over 150 years within the UK property market. They have previously worked on projects including the design and development of a state-of-the-art sports park at the University of South Wales, as well as leisure centres such as the Riverside Leisure Centre in Chelmsford. Both facilities are recognised as world class and used by members of their local communities and visitors from across the globe.

Regarding progress so far, Cllr Hiett said: "There has been significant progress since completing the purchase of the site in December 2021 and the planned demolition and clearance phase has now been finished.

"The 1960s buildings and foundations on site contained asbestos that has been removed safely and responsibly by the demolition contractor, Armac Demolition and we can now begin the detailed design process and look forward to engaging with local people to fix on sustainable designs to meet current and future community needs in the Forest of Dean."

Further information on Five Acres and the successful Levelling Up Fund bid can be found here: https://www.fdean.gov.uk/levellingupfund