THE long-running saga over the former Five Acres college and leisure centre site took a major step forward yesterday (Tuesday, October 15), with news that the Government has finally approved its handover.

It means that the Forest of Dean Council can now press ahead with plans to redevelop the site and provide new state-of-the-art leisure and sports facilities there.

Gloucestershire College vacated Five Acres last year to move to the new Cinderford Northern Quarter campus, while the leisure centre was shut at the end of October 2018.

Campaigners have long fought for the site to be developed for the benefit of the local community, with a deal being agreed in principle nearly two years ago to transfer it to council ownership.

As part of that, Homes England insisted on the closure of the leisure centre to enable its transfer with vacant possession, but then delayed the handover, sparking fury at the council and among local people.

But almost a year to the day (October 18, 2018) since the council formally voted to buy the site for a nominal £1, Local Government minister Robert Jenrick has finally approved the deal.

Jubilant district council leader Tim Gwilliam, the local member for Berry Hill, whose ward includes Five Acres, said he would like to see new community and leisure facilities up and running by 2023 before he leaves office, with work starting straight away on what he calls Destination Five Acres.

Members of the FANS (Five Acres Not For Sale) campaign group cheered in the council chamber last year when the council agreed to take on the site.

But things appeared to have hit the buffers in June, when a frustrated Cllr Gwilliam blasted Homes England’s repeated delay in handing over the site as ‘politics or incompetence’.

Now, the handover is finally in sight, with FANS chairman Jamie Elsmore describing the news as terrific.

“We are delighted. It’s been a long time coming,” he said. “For the community and Tim and all the people who have been involved in the journey over the last several years, this is a reward for working hard and not giving up. This is from the will of the people.”

Cllr Gwilliam added: “It’s been nearly a year and I have been fighting this as well since 2013.We don’t want to rest on our laurels now this news has come through.

“We have to do viability and consulations, but I don’t want this to drag on. We have already had a lot of consultations with businesses.”

To comply with the deal terms, the council will be moving ahead with the redevelopment as soon as possible. A detailed business case will be presented to full council to allow in talks and planning approval before demolition and construction can start, hopefully within three years.

Cllr Gwilliam added: “To actually receive official notification is indeed tremendous and very welcome news.

“It’s been a long time coming, and I want to thank the people of Berry Hill and Coleford, members of FANS and the communities of the Forest for keeping faith and allowing us time to secure the deal.

“Soon we will have ownership of the site, which means we can look to the future and look to deliver upon both community aspiration and leisure provision requirements. There is much work to be done.

“We can create something very special, that is sustainable, viable, leads the way environmentally and brings employment and other opportunities.

“I am sure the whole council will play an active role in the development of, what I am currently calling, Destination Five Acres.

“Our officers at Forest of Dean Council are owed my thanks for their sheer determination and hard work, and I’d also like to offer thanks to MP Mark Harper, Homes England and numerous Ministers of State for all they’ve done. 

“This is just the start, now the real work begins. We may not be able to deliver to everyone’s aspirations, but we will deliver something for the people that the Forest of Dean District can be proud of.”