ARCHITECTS are being invited by the Forest of Dean District Council to submit concept designs for an important gateway into Coleford.

The Original Factory Shop has been in discussions with the District Council for the past year about coming to Coleford and opening a store on the Lawnstone House and bungalow site, next to the District Council's offices. They are looking for 7,000 square feet of retail space to open a store.

To help achieve this, Forest of Dean District Council is now looking for architects and architectural technicians to submit an expression of interest to design a new building.

Wendy Jackson, the council's regeneration manager said: "This council owned site is at a principle gateway into Coleford town centre and is on the edge of a conservation area.

"A new building could be up to three storeys high with ground floor shopping and other complimentary uses above – maybe modern office space or residential apartments. We are really keen for local architects to submit designs."

Cllr Brian Robinson, cabinet member for efficient council and planning policy, said: "As owners of the site we want a high quality development here to welcome people into Coleford. This is a unique opportunity for architects to contribute towards the regeneration of Coleford as an historic centre in the Forest of Dean.

"The scheme should reinforce the distinctiveness of Coleford, and complement the area. We are very much looking forward to seeing the designs that come in and will shortlist up to three schemes to go forward to the second stage."

So far 11 expressions of interests have been received by the council. The deadline for the first stage is February 17.

For further information on the design competition visit the website http://www.fdean">www.fdean. gov.uk/go/lawnstone