The first stage of the redevelopment of Belvoir Shopping Centre in Coalville has been announced - after new owners Gylo submitted a planning application to North West Leicestershire District Council.

A major improvement to the feel and attractiveness of the centre is planned - with the introduction of new green spaces, improvements to the shop fronts, better connections to the car parking and the creation of a new town square.

The scheme is also designed to become a place where people can relax while shopping.

Nick Harcus of Lathdale, the development consultants for Gylo said: "This is just the beginning of a long-term plan to invest in this important community shopping centre and enhance the heart of the town centre.

"We firmly believe that by taking proactive moves to enhance and upgrade the environment it will not only attract more shoppers but also bring in new retailers and leisure uses.

"This is the first active and substantial injection of investment for very many years and demonstrates Gylo's confidence in Coalville."

There are a number of key points to the proposal.

• Three existing shop units removed and new pedestrian route created from the existing surface car park to a remodelled central public square; 
• A new gateway green space on the site of the former units that links into the central square
• Entrances defined with overhead signage and monolith tenant directory boards
• Improvements to shop canopies including use of timber and recessed lighting
• Pedestrian routes  enlivened with new planting, feature hard landscaping and overhead lighting
• A major upgrade to the public square with the introduction of new new paving, water jet fountain and seating with integral planters.

Coalville is a key council priority.

"We want the town to change to be a place where people want to live and spend their leisure time, and where businesses thrive and invest.

"With this planning application, I'm pleased that Gylo is seeking to make a difference to the Belvoir Centre in a way that complements this wider aim for Coalville. The way people spend their leisure time is different now and a varied town centre is crucial to drawing people in.

"We're really pleased that the sale of adjacent town centre car parks has been able to facilitate the creation of these plans for further investment for the Belvoir Centre."

As revealed in January of this year, three of the town centre's car parks will also transfer from the Council's ownership to Gylo in early April.

This will allow further opportunities to achieve a comprehensive approach to the regeneration of the town centre.