North West Leicestershire District Council leader Cllr Richard Blunt says plans are in place to line up a preferred bidder for the old market hall site in Coalville.

That, and the Whitwick Road council offices were both advertised last year as possible venues for more leisure activities in the town - with a new cinema still being suggested.

Cllr Blunt spoke to the full council meeting on Thursday evening, and confirmed that plans were still going ahead.

A new cinema for Coalville was a Conservative promise at the 2019 local government elections.

Last November, Cllr Blunt said the former indoor market and land currently being occupied by District Council offices are the areas that are being offered.

It had been thought that the indoor market was being readied as a possible new station for the town if the railway line is re-opened.

But recent regeneration plans showed that is now more likely to be at Wolsey Road, off Memorial Square, close to Mantle Lane.

Cllr Blunt says that expressions of interest will be considered in April.

He updated councillors and said: "We are now officially marketing the former market hall to the private sector with the aim of attracting new investment to Coalville.

"The site, which stands next to the Belvoir Centre, is a prime area for commercial leisure activity, such as a cinema.

"The building's been empty since 2021, when the market relocated to Marlborough Square.

"Coalville has an excellent leisure centre as well as pubs, restaurants and bars, but we still need more.

"Increased leisure options for the town is a key priority.

"Releasing this site to the right partner is the best way we can meet that need.

"I look forward to bringing you more positive news as we receive expressions of interest in April, and then select a preferred bidder for the site."