The new Marlborough Square scheme is on target for a Spring opening - and being designed to look as good in 2124 as it will do in 2024.

Work has been under way on the much-delayed £2.8million project since last year, and is now taking shape, with the venue aiming to host an outdoor market as well as town centre events.

No detail is being overlooked - with quality granite paving stones that will last a century and more, and power points installed to allow the likes of fun fairs to set up with ease.

The project has had its critics due to the cost, but North West Leicestershire District Council believes it is an investment for Coalville's future.

The work is being carried out by Midlands company Stepnell, who have already worked with the council on a number of schemes.

Coalville Nub News was given a guided tour of the site and spoke to council leader Cllr Richard Blunt about the scheme, which also includes a new apartment development on the corner of Belvoir Road.

A display in Belvoir Road tells the public what is being built at Marlborough Square

Cllr Blunt said: "This is a once in a hundred years project and we didn't want it to look the same as other parts of the town, this looks better than Ashby and it's in Coalville.

"We're also trying to go back 100 years when all the major events were in Coalville, we have photos of what it was like.

"The Prince's Foundation said, maybe 15 years ago, that towns need to rebuild their squares.

"So, we got our inspiration from Coalville Heritage who showed us the photos. Coalville used to have a department store and a cinema, Ashby didn't have that.

"I've spoken to people who want to move to Coalville because of everything that's going on at the moment. We also have the bowling alley development around The Emporium. 

"We also want people living in Marlborough Square in the newly redeveloped apartments. It means there will be lights on at night with people coming and going.

"But we also challenge our own planning applications.

"We have to lift Coalville. We have a cycleway, but it's only worth having if there's something here to cycle in for.

"We're not promoting North West Leicestershire District Council, it's about giving Coalville a chance."

Head of Economic Regeneration, Paul Wheatley believes projects such as this will encourage future investment in Coalville.

He said: "The aesthetics of the square were important to us, we didn't see the point in making it look the same as everywhere else.

"We're setting an aspiration for everywhere else in the town.

"In the summer months, there could be tables out there in the evenings, perhaps working alongside The Monkey Walk.

"There's the opportunity for the people of Coalville to say 'I'd like to run a certain event, can I book in for the weekend?'

"But we've had to predict every sort of vehicle that will come to the square in the future. We have to prove the risks can be managed.

"Coalville hasn't been tapped for investment yet, but by doing these kinds of things and people talking about it, people can give the town a chance. Don't dismiss it.

Work has been ongoing at Marlborough Square

"And maybe businesses in Leicester will look out to Coalville and consider the town."

Cllr Blunt said the type of events being held in the square will be decided once the area has been completed and opened.

But it does mark a return to the town of an outdoor market.

Cllr Blunt said: "It has to build organically and has to work.

"The way to do it, is to create the space, work with local businesses and go from there.

"There'll be an outdoor market, operating in conjunction with Newmarket.

"You have the shopping centre, but we're not trying to compete with that. This has to become more of an entertainment space, which we don't have at the moment.

The building on the corner of Marlborough Square is to be redeveloped as apartments

"We're trying to anticipate all the things we wish we had in the town. It's forward thinking."

But Cllr Blunt says that there have been a number of hurdles to deal with as well as the delays to the project.

He added: "We don't own this land, the County Council does and they didn't want to spend the money on it. 

"Nor did they want to give it to us. So we had to speak to Highways at the County Council, which made it doubly hard."

District Councillor Michael Wyatt said it was good to see real progress on the scheme finally being made.

He said: "There's a lot of frustration as it's been dragging on for far too long.

"I'm looking forward to the day when we can enjoy the open space.

"Coalville does lack some nice spaces and it's money well-spent. It's progressing well.

"It'll complement the town and I hope this will be one of many projects. I've lived here for 50 years and parts have been neglected and left to rot. It's time now we started putting Coalville first and delivering on our projects."

Adrian Barnes, Stepnell Regional Director, added: "We are very proud to be working with North West Leicestershire District Council to develop the Marlborough Square. 

"The works are well under way at the square on what will be a much-needed scheme to help rejuvenate an important area of Coalville. 

"The new pedestrianised element will provide a vibrant and family-friendly outdoor market space, due to complete in a few months' time."