Renovation planned for “dilapidated” town centre structure in Leicestershire

A structure described as “dilapidated and unsightly” located in a Leicestershire town centre is slated for conversion into residential apartments. The Marlborough Centre, situated on Belvoir Road in Coalville, is scheduled for redevelopment by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) within the framework of a £4.5m initiative. On Monday, the council obtained approval from its internal planning department to establish 12 residential units within the premises and to undertake an external renovation. This renovation will encompass updated shopfronts for the ground-floor retail spaces, aligning with the council’s objective to revitalize the central area of the town. NWLDC stated upon the plan’s submission in 2022 that the undertaking was essential because the building’s present condition, characterized by elements such as peeling paint, has been “detracting” from the aesthetic appeal of the vicinity for a considerable period. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that the authority characterized the location as “dilapidated” and “unsightly”. An adjacent property situated opposite Owen Street is slated for demolition as part of the project. Concurrently, extensions in “poor condition” located in the centre’s rear courtyard are also designated for removal. While endorsing the proposal, planning officers expressed a degree of apprehension regarding the absence of outdoor living areas for prospective occupants, given that neither private gardens nor balconies were included in the plans. Nevertheless, they noted the site’s proximity to several parks, accessible by foot. They further indicated that the residences are anticipated to house students or professionals, as opposed to families, suggesting that the limited outdoor area would probably pose less of a concern. Ultimately, their conclusion was that the endeavor would “bring an underutilised facility back in to a long-term sustainable use”. Consequently, they asserted that the advantages “outweigh” any potential drawbacks of the proposition. This approval comes after previous work in Marlborough Square, where the area’s former car park was removed and replaced with granite paving. Information concerning BBC Leicester is available on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas may be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or through WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. This content is copyrighted by BBC, 2024. All rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Details regarding its approach to external linking are available.