It was a pleasure to meet with the Cinderford Town Regeneration Project and learn more about the progress they have made. As you will know from my last update post, the Cinderford Town Regeneration Project is part of the £20 million we are receiving via our successful bid to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. The Forest of Dean had a strong bid, and I was pleased to make the case for its approval to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak.
I met with Cinderford Town Council’s Property Manager and Regeneration Lead, Les Love, and she took me around the three projects they have planned in the town. First, we visited Rheola House, and Les set out the scope of the important improvement works that are needed to the building and their vision to increase the number of organisations and public bodies that use this space. An upgrade to the toilet facilities in Rheola House has already been completed.
We then went to The Wesley to learn more about the exciting plans they have for this impressive former Methodist church. Already a hub for community activity, including worship and drama classes, the refurbishment will see big improvements to the building, with the main stage and backstage areas brought back to life. I was particularly pleased to learn that the refurbishment will both bring the facility into the 21st century while also keeping many of the historic features of the building.
You can already book The Wesley for community events, and this is a great way to support the building. It is available for hire from Cinderford Town Council for £10 + VAT per hour. (£12 inc). Please get in touch with them if you would like to discuss any aspect of booking The Wesley - contact details are at the end of this post.
Our last visit was to the old HSBC building in the triangle. This building is going to be used as a facility for the community. It was an impressive sight, with all the teller booths and banking paraphernalia removed and the building stripped back to its shell. The only thing remaining of its former life is the large steel safe that I am sure will make an interesting addition to the new setup.
It was great to see the progress that has already been made with the Cinderford element of our Levelling Up Fund project. As the project progresses, I will be visiting each of the Levelling Up projects in the Forest and will report back.
Ms Les Love – Property Manager
les.love@cinderfordtowncouncil.gov.uk
01594 822599