Coalville C.A.N has been awarded £15,000 by the Architectural Heritage Fund to undertake a feasibility study on the old Co-operative store in Belvoir Road.

The funding will pay for architects and other professional fees so that a plan can be put together to purchase the site from the Central England Co-op to transform it from a derelict eye sore into a thriving community-owned heritage building brought back to life.

To access the funding as owners, Central England  Co-op need to give their permission and access to the professionals. Once this is received work can start. 

The community-based group hopes to get the go-ahead from the Co-op before Central England Co-op members meet online on Wednesday, June 17.

A C.A.N (Coalville and Neighbourhood) spokeswoman said: "We are really pleased to get this support from the Architectural Heritage Fund.

"It shows the heritage value of this gem on Coalville's High Street and gives the community a real chance to take this space over and create something sustainable and different for the town.

"There are lots of obstacles to get over, and it's possible to get over them with everyone working together!"

The group says that if you want to get involved and have ideas or experience you will be welcomed on board. 

There is a Facebook group - Coalville CAN CBS - where all documents are shared along with a link to the Community Survey.

The current May update from the group indicates that this Co-operative Store has been designated as mixed use with retail and community space on the ground floor, business enterprise and co-working space on the first and accommodation on the top floor. 

A crew of locals have come together to set up the organisation which will be wholly community owned with the intention to do a share offer to match grants and other social investors that they expect to get for this unique opportunity.

They are looking for patient investors or a benefactor looking to put something back.  

This is one of a number of buildings that the group is trying to secure on behalf of the local community.

An asset of community value has been submitted to North West Leicestershire Council signed by 25 residents for this building.and the Bridge Road site.