PLANS to move Gloucestershire College Forest campus to Cinderford have taken a step forward with the appointment of architects to develop drawings.

A team from Glouceser-based architects Roberts Limbrick, led by director Joe Roberts, will work on the design of the new college to be based on the Cinderford Northern Quarter.

The designs will include a separate independent sixth form run by the college and Dene Magna School alongside a vocational Gloucestershire College campus and shared social facilities.

Lynne Craig, principal of the Forest campus, said: "The appointment of Roberts Limbrick Architects means that we can now begin to realise our vision for a fantastic modern Further Education (FE) learning environment in the Forest of Dean.

 "We are moving in to an exciting phase of planning for the new campus and I look forward to hearing the feedback from our stakeholders which will help to shape the new campus and the future of FE in the Forest of Dean."

Steve Brady, headteacher at Dene Magna said: "Roberts Limbrick presented us with an insight that they share our vision for the new College.

"We are excited about working with them on creating the best possible use for the buildings and surrounding area, so that the Forest of Dean as a whole can benefit from this."

Roberts Limbrick has previously worked with Gloucestershire College on plans for Launchpad College in Tewkesbury and more recently on the Gloucester Academy.

Joe Roberts said: "This is an opportunity to make a real difference to the opportunities available for teaching and learning in the Forest of Dean and we can't wait to get started."

The new college is due to open in September 2015 after its move from its current home at Five Acres.

Vice-chair of community group FANS (Five Acres Not for Sale) Julia Sykes said they had for a long time been planning "for a future post-Gloucestershire College."

The group's aim is to ensure a future for the site as a home for top-class leisure facilities.