Leicestershire County Council has been recognised for its work in regenerating a part of Coalville.

The council is in the running for two coveted prizes after being shortlisted in the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2020.

Nominated in the Sustainable Development category, which recognises schemes that will benefit future generations, is the authority's £3million plan to transform the former Snibston Colliery site Snibston Colliery plan is on course for completion

Once complete, the site, which is being built by construction firm Fortem, will feature a new cafe, heritage trail, mountain bike trails, cycle route, children's play area and improved country park and picnic site Work begins on Snibston Colliery regeneration

County council leader Nick Rushton said: "I'm delighted that our commitment to create sustainable developments has been recognised.

"Not only will this re-development make the park more attractive for families, dog walkers and cyclists to explore, but it will also reconnect the site with the town and in the future provide much-needed housing to the area."

Mick Williamson, managing director of Fortem, said: "We're glad to be partnering with Leicestershire County Council who value sustainability and recognise the importance of carbon reduction.

"At Fortem, we care about leaving a lasting legacy, so we're excited about the long-term benefits the regeneration of Snibston Country Park will provide for both the environment and the local community."

The county council has also been shortlisted for the Responsible Business award.

The category acknowledges organisations that have demonstrated corporate responsibility in their field and working in harmony and for the betterment of the local community in which it operates.

Cllr Rushton said: "We are committed to ensuring that our current and future residents are at the heart of all our plans and this nomination is a testament to our hard work to make Leicestershire a more attractive place to work, live and visit."

Meanwhile, council scheme Airfield Business Park – a £5.2million industrial park in Market Harborough - is in the running for the Commercial Development of the Year gong.

The award recognises firms involved in developments that have gone above and beyond in fulfilling the criteria of the build, in terms of design and construction.

This phase of the industrial park is home to 12 units. The scheme features 692 solar panels, which are part of the county council's ongoing commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Councillor Byron Rhodes, cabinet member for finance and resources, said: "I'm delighted that our work on Airfield Business Park has been recognised for what we are trying to achieve as a council.

"We are a green council and tackling climate change is one of our top priorities. In the first year the site will reduce carbon emissions by around 79.4 tonnes – the equivalent of a car travelling 238,000 miles.

"We take our commitments to reduce carbon very seriously and this development is just one of the initiatives we're exploring."

The East Midlands Bricks Awards will take place on Thursday, October 29, 2020, subject to any government restrictions caused by COVID-19.