Green light for Five Acres: Construction start date officially set
Forest of Dean District Council is delighted to confirm that contractual agreements have now been finalised with lead contractor Willmott Dixon. This signals the exciting next step in delivering modern, high-quality leisure facilities at Five Acres, with initial site setup and construction intended to begin on 27 April 2026.
Cabinet Member for Property and Projects, with oversight of Five Acres, Cllr Sid Phelps said:
“This is a hugely positive moment for the Council as we confirm that contracts have now been formally agreed with Willmott Dixon for the construction of Five Acres. This milestone brings us another step closer to delivering the high‑quality, modern space our communities deserve.
“We fully recognise the patience that residents have shown throughout this process. Ensuring the scheme is both financially responsible and environmentally sustainable, both now and for the future, has been essential, and we are grateful for the continued support from local people.
“With an intended start date of 27 April 2026, we are excited to move from planning to delivery and to see this much‑anticipated facility begin to take shape.
“The Council will continue to share updates and progress throughout the build, keeping residents informed as we move forward together.”
The forthcoming redevelopment of Five Acres will provide indoor amenities designed to support health, wellbeing, and community engagement. Plans include a new soft play area, dedicated party rooms, power‑assisted exercise equipment, group fitness studios, a fully equipped 53‑station gym, and an inviting on‑site café. The upper floors of the former Speedwell Building will also be repurposed to create modern office and community spaces, along with a new outreach base for Hartpury University’s Aspiration Centre.
Beyond the main building, the project will introduce a floodlit 3G pitch suitable for both rugby and football, complete with a dedicated spectator zone. This important addition has been made possible thanks to a successful funding bid to the Football Association in January 2025.
Richard David, Director at Willmott Dixon said:
“We are pleased to be working alongside Forest of Dean District Council to deliver this much‑anticipated new leisure facility at Five Acres.
“This collaboration represents an important step in creating a space that will serve and support local people for many years to come. Supporting the local economy is a core part of our approach, and we will continue to work closely with local supply chain partners throughout the build to help create employment and development opportunities in the area.
“We recognise how important this project is to residents, and we remain committed to working with all partners to bring these ambitious plans to fruition. As construction progresses, we look forward to seeing the new facility take shape and to delivering a development the whole community can be proud of.”
Will Phillips, National Director of Cost Management at Pick Everard, added:
“The Five Acres project will play an important role in creating a modern and inclusive space that truly serves its community. By delivering multi-use facilities for people of all ages, it will provide lasting social value and leave a positive legacy long into the future.
"We’re pleased to see progress being made and to be supporting Forest of Dean District Council and Willmott Dixon with consultancy services to ensure a successful delivery.”
Full details for the future vision for Five Acres can be found at the following link:
https://www.fdean.gov.uk/planning-and-building/regeneration/five-acres-redevelopment-site/