Coalville's new bowling alley and apartment complex will have 'something for everyone' according to the leader of North West Leicestershire District Council.

The town's regeneration has taken a further step forward following the approval of the residential and leisure project in town centre.

At last night's (Tuesday) District Council planning committee meeting, councillors unanimously approved the plans submitted by owners of the neighbouring Belvoir Shopping Centre, Gylo and Holland Park Leisure.

The proposals will see the part-demolition and changes to the Emporium nightclub on Belvoir Road and the creation of a leisure building and an apartment block.

The plans are the latest step in the council's work to support and regenerate Coalville town centre, featuring as a key project in its Coalville Regeneration Framework.

They will include:

• 28 one-bedroom apartments
• Bowling alley
• Restaurant with outdoor terrace
• Mini golf and gaming area
• Demolition of 83 Belvoir Road
• New access to Belvoir Road
• Changes to the Emporium nightclub.  

During the meeting, councillors discussed the design of the development, the loss of trees and car parking provision but positively welcomed the investment which would contribute to regeneration of the town centre providing a new leisure facility and much-needed small homes.

Once a section 106 legal agreement has been signed, the planning permission will be granted to allow work to commence. Holland Park Leisure will operate the complex.

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "The regeneration of Coalville cannot be achieved by the public sector alone, so this proposal by Gylo will further enhance what the town has to offer.

"This mixed development has something for everyone, supporting the work to make Coalville a family-friendly town.

"I look forward to seeing it take shape, along with other aspirations featured in the Coalville Regeneration Framework."

On behalf of Gylo, Nick Harcus said: "Vibrant town centres rely on a combination of uses to attract visitors and inject spending power both during the day and at night.

"In partnership with Holland Park Leisure, we believe that we have identified a creative approach combining new leisure, food and beverage outlets and much-needed new homes.

"After years of inactivity prior to our ownership, this is yet another stage in our revitalisation of the Belvoir Shopping Centre following the multi-million pound spend to date on refurbishment, improvements to public spaces and the new Iceland unit due to open prior to Christmas.

"Now we have received the unanimous support of North West Leicestershire District Council we will get to work on delivering this further new investment in the heart of Coalville."