BUILDERS have started work on the new Gloucestershire College campus in Cinderford’s Northern Quarter.

Representatives of the college and Cinderford Northern Quarter regeneration board said building work was made possible 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.

GC Principal Matthew Burgess was joined by Cinderford Regeneration Board chairman Graham Morgan, Barnwood Construction Managing Director, Simon Carey, site manager, Paul Limbrick and GC Director of Estates, James Billingham to ‘break ground’ at the college site.

Principal 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.”

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.”