North West Leicestershire District Council has underlined its aim to turn the former market hall site in Coalville into a leisure venue 'like a cinema'.

The site has been put up for sale and a deadline of April 17 has been set for offers to be made.

District Council leader Cllr Richard Blunt told last week's full council meeting that a preferred bidder is set to be named this Spring.

North West Leicestershire District Council, which owns the building, is currently marketing the site with the aim of attracting investment in Coalville.

The council says: "Feasibility studies show that the location of the former market hall, which stands on the edge of the town centre next to the main car park, means that it is prime for re-use as commercial leisure activity, like a cinema."

The building has been empty since 2021, when the indoor market relocated to Marlborough Square.

Now the council is looking for investors to transform the area, with the addition of a leisure attraction.

The council adds that while Coalville has a new leisure centre, a theatre, escape rooms, a gaming lounge and a range of independent and chain shops, as well as pubs, restaurants, bars and a nightclub, there are limited family leisure attractions.

Cllr Blunt said: "Coalville has a very active, growing population, and we are told over and over how people would love to see a cinema or similar attractions within the town centre.

"Through the Coalville Regeneration Framework, we're looking to invest, or support investment in a range of schemes that will improve the town – this is one of the most prominent.

"If we can turn this empty site over to the private sector for investment in leisure, this can only be a good thing for the town."

Formal offers to acquire the site are invited, with a deadline of April 17.

The council hopes to announce a preferred bidder for the site in late spring / early summer.