North West Leicestershire District Council leader Cllr Richard Blunt says he has a 'four square' vision for Coalville as the town's latest development prepares to open.

The new Marlborough Square space will be home to a weekly outdoor market as well as being a base for a series of events.

But Cllr Blunt says this is just part of the continuing Coalville regeneration programme.

The area above the shops on the square is to be turned into new apartments and a bowling alley complex off Belvoir Road is also in the pipeline.

But Cllr Blunt told Coalville Nub News: "We'll have an open space in Marlborough Square - and a semi-open grassy space in the Belvoir Shopping Centre, where we'll be bringing the Mother and Child Statue back in the next couple of months.

"We'll have another public open space in front of Stenson House."

Added to that is Memorial Square which means all four areas would be within minutes of each other.

Cllr Blunt added: "That'll form the basis of how Coalville works.

"That's always been our guide. Every town is as good as its squares as they're the meeting places for people.

"In Coalville, they'll be the four legs of the table. It's easy to walk across to all of them, you can do that circle in what is a relatively small area."

There are plans to turn the spaces above the Square into apartments

Marlborough Square will be officially opened over two days - August 23-24.

Emily Marquez, Senior Economic Development Officer at North West Leicestershire District Council, described what events are being planned from then on.

She said: "There's a lot for people to look forward to - we really want this square to be used.

"We want people to be able to enjoy it and come here for their lunch breaks, but there'll also be a programme of events.

"That starts with the first open air market on Friday, August 23 - and there'll be a weekly market thereafter.

"We've also organised a number of other events through the year - and we want other groups to be able to use it as well.

"We're working with the Coalville business team. They're planning events too and it'll be brilliant.

Power points are being installed on the square

"There'll also be a Christmas event. The area's been designed with entertainment in mind - it's traditional been like that with the former Rex Cinema and bingo hall.

"We're bringing that feeling back to Coalville. There'll be tables and chairs, and benches, so that people can use the bars and food outlets and make use of the Square.

"It's also going to be a nice area to visit."

The new development has been constructed using quality stone which is designed to last a century and not fade or crumble over time.

Emily added: "This is one of the most hard-wearing stones you can get, it's been designed to be good quality but look beautiful at the same time.

"We want to make sure to take care of it."

There is already an open invitation to groups who may want to stage events or exhibitions at Marlborough Square.

Emily said: "Whether it's something very simple or larger scale, we definitely want people to come and talk to us about how they can use this area.

"We want it to be busy and that will come from other groups and organisations using it."