A GATEWAY to Coleford town centre could be transformed under new regeneration proposals.

Townspeople are being invited to have their say on outline plans for a mix of high quality housing, commercial units and a new town square on the site of the former Lawnstone House.

Architects Sustain-by-Design were commissioned to come up with drawings to regenerate the area beside the Forest council’s current headquarters, and the unveiling last week marks the start of a community consultation process.

The proposals, which also cover the Lawnstone bungalow and annex area, are also aimed at improving the overall look of a prominent area of the town’s High Street and the ‘gateway’ to the historic clock tower.

Forest cabinet member for development, asset management, planning policy, infrastructure and housing, Cllr Richard Leppington (UKIP, Bream), said: “Lawnstone Square is an exciting development that will regenerate an area of the town which has been begging for redevelopment for some time. 

“This is an opportunity to provide new homes, business units and a public space right in the heart of the town. We encourage people to look at the design proposals and let us know what you think.”

Town mayor Nick Penny added: “I and members of Coleford Town Council have looked forward to seeing the full details of the Lawnstone Square scheme, which we hope will play a pivotal role in enhancing this entrance to the town centre.”

Proposed developments include low energy homes, including three-bedroom and one-bedroom bed flats with solar roofs, a new town square with seating, planting and lighting providing space for activities, events and films on a big screen, and a new accessible route to the Forest council’s HQ, plus shops, cafés and workshops in a covered arcade which will be suitable for start-up businesses.

Residents and businesses can view the sketch proposals for the mixed-use development at the district council’s main reception and the Main Place foyer, in Coleford, and Five Acres Leisure Centre until Friday, September 15. 

Explanatory leaflets and comment forms for feedback will also be available at the exhibition stands or comments can be emailed to [email protected]

A Forest council spokeswoman said public comments would help form the final design for a planning application to be submitted in November. If approved, construction is likely to start early next year.

Coleford town and district councillor Carole Allaway-Martin added: “I think people are really excited about it. The real excitement will be in the detail.”

Lawnstone House, which dated back to the early 1800s and housed the district council offices from 1927 to 2009, was demolished last year.

For information on Lawnstone Square visit www.fdean.gov.uk/lawnstonesquare