Town car park transformed into events space

A £2.7m project to revamp part of a Leicestershire town centre has been completed. 

After almost a year of work, Malborough Square, in Coalville, has been transformed from a car park to a public space for events and markets.

The redevelopment has been criticised by some residents with complaints about how long it has taken to complete.

North West Leicestershire District Council said the revamp had "rejuvenated" the area with the aim of boosting the local economy and encouraging further investment.

The former car park has been replaced with granite paving to form the new open space with seating inspired by the National Forest, the authority said.

It also features raised planting and LED lighting.

A one-way traffic system has been introduced in the area and there will be limited access to vehicles.

Despite some criticism about the length of the project has taken, many residents have praised the finished product.

One said: "It was looking a bit tried and the work been done looks first class."

Another said: "It's absolutely terrific. What a change it's made with the investment.

"It's vibrant. It's been a breath of fresh air for Coalville."

A third resident said it looked "impressive", but added: "It remains to be seen what develops from it."

Council leader Richard Blunt said: "I know we've lost support for the project along the way, as people have become frustrated with the amount of time taken, but I'm hoping our future plans for the space will be seen positively.

"It’s been a complex space to reimagine, with lots of complications due to the nature of the space, but I firmly believe this is one part of the puzzle in terms of breathing new life into this part of Coalville."

Mr Blunt said the aim of the revamp was to "lift Coalville to the same level as Ashby".

"It seems a cliche, but a hundred years ago Coalville was booming and Ashby was about water," he said.

"People need a town centre to be proud of as they are in Ashby, so that's the challenge."

The revamp is part of a wider scheme, involving 11 major projects in a bid to reinvigorate Coalville.

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