Demolition work starts on ex-council headquarters

New homes and public gardens are proposed

Plans to turn the site of former council offices in the middle of Coalville into homes and a new public space have been unveiled.

North West Leicestershire District Council has started 12 weeks of demolition work on its 1970s-built former headquarters in Whitwick Road, which it vacated in 2023.

The authority has revealed proposals which could see the building replaced with a new public space, called Stenson Gardens, and about 38 homes.

The council said the project was the next phase of a long-term plan to regenerate the wider town centre.

The proposals include a green space with a fountain, terraced seats, a woodland play trail and planting to try to screen out a busy nearby road.

The council said new footpaths would be installed as well as bike stands as part of a £2m public realm scheme.

A public drop-in session to discuss the plans will take place at Stenson House on Wednesday 8 October

The nearby historic Stenson House registry office would be retained under the plans and continue to be used for weddings and council meetings.

A council spokesperson said: "The plan will involve a mews-type courtyard, leading pedestrians through the heart of the site, linking into the new gardens at the front of Stenson House.

"Vehicles will enter the site using the existing entrance off Whitwick Road. There will still be car access to Coalville Bowls Club and to the garages belonging to houses on Park Road.

"The housing is a longer-term scheme, which means that the gardens at the front of Stenson House will be developed first."

The council said it had set up a survey and wanted to hear from members of the public as it continued to develop ideas for the area.

A public drop-in event is due to take place at Stenson House between 15:30 BST and 20:00 on Wedneday 8 October.

Council leader Richard Blunt said: "The redevelopment in this part of Coalville has long been on our agenda, so it's exciting to finally be able to share the plans with local people and get feedback."