A Coalville community group has confirmed its bid to turn the town's former market hall into a mini-exhibition centre and cinema.

Coalville CAN revealed last month it intended to prepare an 'expression of interest' in the building which has been vacant for around two years.

North West Leicestershire District Council has already put the site up for sale, saying a cinema could be a future use.

Coalville CAN  has submitted a proposal to redevelop the site with a two-screen cinema - 65 seats in each - along with a multi-use space in the same building that could be used for exhibitions or a Christmas ice rink.

Deana Bamford, of Coalville CAN, said: "Coalville Market Hall is unique building with masses of potential.

"The scale and space it offers in the heart of Coalville could enable a whole range of community activities from indoor dog events to ice rinks to a cinema and bouldering venue.

"We know it can be delivered and we know how. We hope the district council likes our proposal and joins us inelping to regenerate the town.

"Coalville CAN is a community co-operative and has put together an experienced team that could make this a reality.

"This is by no mean guaranteed. Others may have put forward different ideas, our plans may be turned down or decisions could be put off. 

"Hopefully our ideas will be given a chance. You can visit CCAN on Memorial Square to learn more."

Coalville CAN has put its own ideas on social media and says: "Fancy ice-skating in Coalville this Christmas? Want to have the latest blockbuster films on your doorstep? Want to have clubs for parkour? Bouldering? Soft play ?

"A home for the Coalville Community Workshop and tool library?

"Interested in Coalville having a mini-NEC right in the centre of town?

"North West Leicestershire Council owns the market, so will decide what happens next.

"Having been closed for two years it's been put up for sale, and bidders had to move quickly. Coalville CAN, with partners, have hput in a bid for community ownership to create a welcoming, safe, accessible, professionally run venue for everyone to enjoy.

"And what's more, CCAN's profits are all re-invested and re-circulated back into the local area.

"It's a win-win for everyone. The town attracts more people, encouraging them to spend more time and money here, creating new jobs and attracting others to start up."

Coalville CAN invites your ideas and wants you to share your views in this survey HERE.