Forest of Dean District Council (FoDDC) in the UK has selected construction and property developer BAM to construct a new leisure, enterprise, and education facility at its Five Acres site.

The Five Acres project will be delivered in phases, with the first phase focusing on dryside sports and recreational amenities by transforming the Speedwell building and constructing a new multipurpose four-court sports hall, performance space, party rooms, dressing areas, and separate changing facilities.

In addition, it will feature a car park with electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

FoDDC cabinet member for Levelling Up Johnathan Lane said: “Since taking control of the site in early 2022, the council has been hard at work ensuring that the initial demolition of buildings on the site, as well as the design and planning of the new facility, were completed on time and with the engagement of the local community, organisations, and sports clubs.

“I’d like to thank those who have been involved with the Five Acres and Levelling Up project so far and look forward to the next stage of this journey, working collaboratively with partners to deliver the best possible facilities for the Forest of Dean.”

BAM will work together with design consultants Pick Everard.

Pick has been selected under Perfect Circle and the SCAPE Consultancy framework.

BAM construction director Justin Price said: “We are aware of how much Five Acres means to the residents of the Forest of Dean, and we’ll be holding several engagement events in the coming months so that we can discuss the plans for the build-in detail with people from across the district."