Leisure plans revealed for former market hall site

The former market hall site in Coalville could be transformed into a leisure facility.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC), which owns the building, is currently marketing the site with the aim of attracting investment in Coalville.

Feasibility studies show that the location of the former market hall, which stands on the edge of the town centre next to the main car park, means that it is prime for re-use as commercial leisure activity, such as a cinema.

The building has been empty since 2021, when the indoor market relocated to Marlborough Square. Now the council is looking for investors to transform the area, with the addition of a leisure attraction.

Whilst Coalville has a new leisure centre, a theatre, escape rooms, a gaming lounge and a range of independent and chain shops, as well as pubs, restaurants, bars and a nightclub, there are limited family leisure attractions.

Councillor Richard Blunt, leader of NWLDC, said: “Coalville has a very active, growing population, and we are told over and over how people would love to see a cinema or similar attractions within the town centre.

“Through the Coalville Regeneration Framework, we’re looking to invest, or support investment in a range of schemes that will improve the town – this is one of the most prominent.

“If we can turn this empty site over to the private sector for investment in leisure, this can only be a good thing for the town.”

Formal offers to acquire the site are invited, with a deadline of 17 April. The council hopes to announce a preferred bidder for the site in late spring/early summer.