THE bid to transform Cinderford's successful Forest Fitness Centre into one the biggest "healthy lifestyle" facilities in the West has taken a major step forward.
Coach and trustee Alan Elliott confirmed this week that the centre's bid for a major Lottery grant had passed stage one of the process.
He told the Review: "The trustees are now required to work their bid up in more detail. Once they have done this Sport England will look again at their bid and make the final decision on whether to grant the application."
Two previous bids have been unsuccessful.
The "lifestyle" project could elevate the work of the Fitness Centre even higher than its present standing.
Already the centre assists people of all ages to keep fit and recover from illnesses and has an enviable reputation for its work with disabled athletes.
The huge project has earned a lot of local support and hit the national news headlines when the winners in a draw returned all their prizes, including an E-Type Jaguar to be auctioned to raise extra funds.
The trustees and supporters are planning fund-raising events for every month this year, including the auction on April 7.
Mr Elliott said support from local councils and the Health Locality planning team had helped swell the building fund.
He said the new centre would be a huge community asset. Once funding is completed building work could begin later this year with the official opening next Spring.