The former Northern United Colliery site near Cinderford was purchased for an undisclosed sum, and could now be used for leisure or business purposes.

The 2.7 hectare site was part of English Partnerships' National Coalfields Programme, which cleans up old mining sites.

English Partnerships has put at least �2.5m into the site to date, with work still ongoing.

Euan Hall, of the nationwide regeneration company, said: "Since the end of coal mining in the area, the local economy has witnessed a decline.

"Northern United is, at present, an underused industrial site and its regeneration is crucial to the wider economic success of the Forest of Dean."