PLANS for the next stage of the proposed Stenson Square Gardens Project in Coalville will be discussed by councillors next week.

An assessment for 'high quality' residential development on the former Council Offices site at Whitwick Road is also planned.

The scheme aims to 'create a new public square and improved car park for the people of Coalville'.

The project is on the agenda for the North West Leicestershire District Council's Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (October 22).

Councillors will be asked to approve a £150,000 contract with Ove Arup Ltd to deliver the next stages of design and preparatory works for the project.

The council's Cabinet will also be asked to approve that £43,793 of that sum comes from the Coalville Regeneration Capital Programme.

But it is part of a proposed £2million spend on regeneration framework projects in the town.

Approval will also be sought for a planning application for the Stenson Square Gardens Project.

A report to be presented to the committee says: "The regeneration of Coalville is a key priority within the Council Delivery Plan and the Stenson Square Gardens project - comprising the land around Stenson House and the former Council offices site at Whitwick Road - is one of the flagship schemes highlighted in the approved Coalville Regeneration Framework.

"The Council now wishes to progress the Stenson Square Gardens project by undertaking the following activities:

• Carry out detailed design and preparation of planning application for the area in front of Stenson House, including London Road car park in order to create a new public square "Stenson Square Gardens" and improved car park for the people of Coalville

• Carry out feasibility assessments and optioneering for the residential development on the former Council offices site with the relationship between the public space around Stenson House and the layout of any new housing development on the former Council Offices site being a key consideration to ensure the housing element of the project benefits from the public realm improvements."

The report to be presented on Tuesday, also outlines the function of Stenson Square Gardens Project.

• To create a high-quality visually attractive arrival point in the town, at the junction between two key roads and outside Stenson House

• To create a space from which residents can draw civic pride, but which can also be used for socialising

• To link the London Road public car park (adjacent) to Stenson House

• To support the use of Stenson House particularly by the Registrars Service by providing an attractive environment for wedding photographs etc.

• To guide pedestrians towards the town centre and the town's other public places such as Memorial Square, and Marlborough Square.

• To create a wider attractive environment for high-quality residential accommodation on the former Council Offices site

• To create an attractive street scene on Whitwick Road

• To continue to provide vehicular access for residents on Park Road

• To continue to provide vehicular access for the Coalville Bowls Club

• To ensure, through good design, that the residential development and Stenson House and Stenson Square Gardens operate in a co-ordinated way.