Building work has begun on a major Forest of Dean development that will have a huge impact on the regeneration of the district.

Gloucestershire College has started its new campus in Cinderford's Northern Quarter this week, following completion of the land transfer between the college, the Forestry Commission and the Forest of Dean District Council.

The purpose-built Forest of Dean Campus will be located on brownfield land next to Steam Mills Lake and is expected to be completed in time to welcome students in September 2018. Roberts Limbrick Architects of Gloucester have designed the centre for post-16 education, with Gloucester-based Barnwood Construction responsible for the build.

Gloucestershire College Principal Matthew Burgess was joined by a representative of the Cinderford Regeneration Board; Barnwood Construction managing director, Simon Carey; site manager, Paul Limbrick and GC Director of Estates, James Billingham to 'break ground' at the college site.

Matthew Burgess said: "Gloucestershire College and its partners have been committed to the Northern Quarter project for several years, so it's very exciting to have finally reached the point at which work is getting underway.

"The new Forest of Dean Campus will offer students from the Forest of Dean and beyond the chance to complete their qualifications in purpose-built facilities, within what promises be a thriving area.

"We expect to be welcoming our existing and new students into the new college in time for the new academic year in September 2018, and in the meantime lessons will continue as usual at our campus at Five Acres."

The new campus will boast modern ICT suites; construction workshops; industry standard training kitchens; modern teaching spaces for healthcare, early years and outdoor education; a contemporary learning resource centre and a commercial hair and beauty training salon. Catering and hospitality students will also put their training into practice in a public restaurant within the building.

A spokesperson for the Cinderford Regeneration Board said: "The start of the College construction is fantastic news for Cinderford and the Forest.

"We're extremely happy to see the work commencing after a long period of positive partnership working which has enabled completion of the recent land exchange, start of the spine road and now the beginning of the new College build. We'd like to thank Gloucestershire College for remaining committed to the project and the Forest."

Cllr Nigel Moor, Cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure at Gloucestershire County Council said: "Today marks an important milestone for both the spine road project and the thousands of young people who will benefit from a bright academic future as a result of this work."

A spokesperson for the Forest of Dean District Council said: "This college announcement is a major milestone for the Northern Quarter regeneration programme, which will see brand new educational facilities for the young people of the Forest of Dean and wider community. It is an example of what can be achieved through pro-active partnership working."

The college plans to keep students, parents and members of the public informed on the progress of the build throughout the next year. For more information on the new campus visit: www.gloscol.ac.uk/news

Pictured: (L-R): Paul Limbrick, site manager; Simon Carey, managing director of Barnwood Construction; Matthew Burgess, Gloucestershire College Principal; a representative of the Cinderford Regeneration Board and James Billingham, director of estates at Gloucestershire College.