Five Acres redevelopment reaches major construction milestone

The traditional construction ceremony celebrates the completion of the building's highest structural point and is an important stage in the redevelopment project, which is being delivered through the Levelling Up the Forest programme. 

Construction officially began earlier this year, and work is progressing well on phase one of the redevelopment. Progress to date includes completion of the main building superstructure, upper floor decks, and roof parapets, alongside drainage and infrastructure works. Refurbishment of the Speedwell Building is also under way, and more than £3.8 million of construction work has been completed on site to date. 

Leader of Forest of Dean District Council, Cllr Adrian Birch, said: 

"Reaching this milestone is an important moment and demonstrates the progress being made on site. 

"Five Acres has long been a significant project for the Forest of Dean, and it is encouraging to see the new facilities continuing to take shape. 

"I would like to thank everyone involved in delivering the project and look forward to seeing work continue over the coming months.” 

Once completed, the development will provide a range of new leisure, community, and educational facilities for residents across the Forest of Dean. These will include a gym, group exercise studios, power-assisted exercise equipment, a soft play area, party rooms, community and office space, a café, and an outreach base for Hartpury University's Aspiration Centre.  

Director at Willmott Dixon, Richard David, said:     

“The topping out of the leisure centre and community hub is an important construction milestone for Willmott Dixon.   

"This stage of the project is a proud moment for everyone involved in bringing this facility to life and has been made possible with the collaboration between Willmott Dixon and Forest of Dean District Council.    

"While there is still work ahead of us, today’s ceremony is evidence that we are well on our way to delivering a facility that this community can be truly proud of, and I want to thank everyone who has contributed to reaching this significant point in the project."    

 

Director of Cost Management at Pick Everard, Peter Woods, said:   

“It’s great to see Five Acres reach this next milestone. The team has made the most of the good weather over the summer, and close collaboration between Pick Everard, Forest of Dean District Council, and Willmott Dixon has been key to keeping things moving.   

"Our focus is to continue delivering public value and a leisure facility that supports health and wellbeing across the community.   

"We’re looking forward to seeing it continue to take shape through to completion.”  

The refurbishment and construction of the new facilities have been designed with decarbonisation and energy efficiency in mind. Measures include the installation of air source heat pumps, solar panels, improved insulation, and electric vehicle charging points. The wider development will also include a floodlit 3G pitch and spectator facilities.