LOCALS are being asked for their feedback on draft plans for the redevelopment of the Speedwell Building at Five Acres this month.

The district council is holding further consultation with the public on plans to create a new £9 million community and leisure facility at the former Gloucestershire College site.

The development follows the council’s successful Levelling Up Fund bid last year, with the first phase of the project comprising the renovation of the existing Speedwell Building.

The demolition of some of the other buildings on site began in January and has now been completed, and the council has brought leading design consultants Pick Everard on board the project to develop the plans.

A drop-in event was held for the community at Five Acres High School in November last year, at with locals invited to view the initial plans and give feedback.

The council has now asked local community support charity Gloucestershire Rural Community Council (GRCC) to undertake further consultation on its behalf.

An online survey on the plans is now live, with interested individuals, groups and clubs encouraged to submit their comments on the proposed uses.

Then, GRCC is hosting a second community drop-in at Berry Hill Primary School on August 11, between 5pm and 8pm, at which people are invited to find out more about the proposals and results of the survey.

The Forest Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Councillor Paul Hiett, said: “It’s extremely important to us to hear the thoughts and views of the community regarding the redevelopment of Five Acres.

“We want this to be a facility that people of the Forest of Dean can be proud of and we’d like to invite all who are interested to get involved via the online survey and by attending our community event on Thursday 11th August 2022 between 5pm and 8pm at Berry Hill Primary School. We look forward to seeing you there.”

Barbara Piranty, CEO of GRCC, added: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with Forest of Dean District Council and planners to carry out what is an important piece of work and give local people the chance to help shape the redevelopment of this community space.”

The survey, along with the indicative layout plans for the site, are available at www.grcc.org.uk/news-events/five-acres-consultation.