Razing of shopping centre is under way

Major improvements planned

DemoLITIoN work is under way at Coalville precinct as part of plans that aim to revitalise the town centre.

The work taking place at Belvoir Shopping Centre is to create space for major improvements, including new shopfronts, green spaces and better access to car parks.

A square is also being created as part of the plans for the town centre, which is said to have been “starved of investment for too long”.

The scheme was drawn up by North West Leicestershire District Council and centre owner Gylo in a bid to regenerate the centre and wider area.

Footfall at the centre is already said to have improved in recent months.

Nick Harcus, of Lathdale, the development consultants for Gylo, said: “It’s fantastic to get this work under way and it will be business as usual for the shopping centre as we undertake it.

“We’re particularly pleased to be working alongside the local authority, which has been very supportive of changing things for the better in Coalville.”

A bid for cash was made to the government’s £4.8 billion Levelling

It will be business as usual for the shopping centre as we undertake this work

Up fund in support of a £9 million arts centre.

Plans for the venue, The Lyceum, were revealed in June. It is designed to be a multi-purpose skills, arts and cultural centre.

The 21,000 sq ft development would be spread across two floors located within the shopping precinct.

While funding has not yet been confirmed, Nick said the collaborating groups were “confident that The Lyceum is an innovative and transformative project that directly meets government priorities”.

He said: “Coalville town centre has been starved of investment for too long and this has had negative consequences for the vitality and viability of a key part of the local economy.

“We feel very positive about this first move towards a brighter future.”

With the work ongoing, the council said businesses within the centre will stay open as normal.

Councillor Richard Blunt, leader of the district council, said: “It’s great to see another step being taken to complete the next phase of the project to revamp Belvoir Shopping Centre. Coalville remains a priority for the council and it’s exciting to see the plans start to come to fruition.

“The demolition works are a necessary part of the project.

“I would like to thank visitors and shoppers for their patience while the works are ongoing.”

Nick Harcus