The Coalville Special Expenses Working Party was scheduled to discuss updates on capital projects and the events programme for the 2026/27 financial year. The meeting's agenda also included the appointment of a chairman and deputy chairman for the working party.

Capital Projects Update 2026/27

The report from Jason Knight, Leisure and Communities Team Manager, provided an update on capital projects within the Coalville Special Expenses Area for the 2026/27 financial year. The report noted that all budgeted works were scheduled for delivery within the financial year and were covered by existing budgets or external funding.

Key projects included:

• Coalville Park Public Toilets: £3,000 allocated for external painting, to be completed by Property Services before the end of March 2027.
• Greenhill Recreation Ground Pavilion: £1,816 allocated for the removal of graffiti from the exterior, scheduled for autumn 2026.
• London Road Cemetery Tree Works: £1,080 allocated for tree works to be delivered during winter 2026/27.
• Broom Leys Cemetery Tree Works: £1,990 allocated for tree works to be completed during winter 2026/27.
• Broom Leys Cemetery Path Sealing: £17,705 allocated for path sealing, subject to contractor procurement, with works intended to be delivered before the end of March 2027.
• Play Area Painting: £5,400 allocated for painting works, scheduled for completion before the end of March 2027.
• Play Area Works: £73,710 allocated for general play area works, to be completed before the end of March 2027.

The report also detailed tree planting initiatives, with 770 whips planted at Greenhill Recreation Ground, 18 trees at Stadium Close open space, and 390 whips and 11 trees at Western Avenue Recreation Ground, funded externally for the first three years of maintenance.

Regarding Coalville in Bloom 2026, flower towers and hanging baskets had been ordered, and shop owners were being consulted about contributing to hanging baskets.

A significant point of discussion was the planned work by Severn Trent at Scotlands Recreation Ground to install an underground shaft tank. While the area was to be reinstated and no long-term issues were anticipated, details regarding the cordon area, commencement dates, duration, and potential impact on the entrance, car park, and access road to the bowls pavilion were unknown, despite urgent requests for this information. The council legally could not prevent these works, with Severn Trent only requiring seven days' notice.

The report recommended that the Working Party note the progress update on the 2026/27 capital projects.

Events Update 2026/27

The report from Paul Wheatley, Head of Property and Regeneration, outlined the 2026/27 events programme, which was set against the allocated budget within the Coalville Special Expenses budget.

The planned events included:

• St George's Day (23 April 2026): Installation and removal of the St George flag at the Memorial Clock Tower, with an allocated budget of £100. This event was reported as delivered.
• Music and Picnic in the Park (4 and 5 July 2026): A weekend of family-focused entertainment in Coalville Park. Saturday's programme included sports activities, followed by an evening of song, music, performance, and entertainment. Sunday featured a family fun day with a main stage, music, performances, activities, stalls, and food and drink. The allocated budget was £20,000 with a target income of £2,000. Planning was advanced.
  • The Saturday event was extended to start at 4pm and run until 9:30pm, based on feedback.
  • The Sunday programme included various musical acts, a climbing wall, table football, craft workshops, street performers, stalls, and fair rides.
  • Sponsorship from Everyone Active, a previous supporter since 2021, was not forthcoming for 2026 but they remained committed to supporting the event in 2027.
• Coalville Sport (Saturday 4 July 2026): A new event delivered by the Council's Health and Wellbeing Team in partnership with local sports clubs and organisations. This event, inspired by the Ashby Sport event, aimed to provide families with opportunities to learn about and try new sports.
• Christmas in Coalville (28 November 2026): A day of Christmas festivities in the town centre, with an allocated budget of £14,600 and a target income of £1,000. Planning was underway. The event was scheduled to run from 11am to 7pm to encourage evening economy footfall.
• Coalville Christmas Decorations (28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027): Town centre decorations included lamp post mounted decorations, bespoke decorations on the Memorial Clock Tower, pea lights in trees, and a large Christmas tree in Memorial Square. The allocated budget was £30,000.
  • Due to works at the Marlborough Centre, six artificial trees were proposed for relocation to Hotel Street and High Street.
  • The Christmas lighting for the lamp post column outside Domino's was to be installed on an alternative column in the Square.
  • The event planning for Christmas in Coalville included proposals for using Marlborough Square for the main stage, food and drink traders, Santa's Grotto, and street performers, with road closures already in place.
  • The Belvoir Shopping Centre was planned to host a Christmas market, while Needham's Walk car park was designated for a funfair and attractions, potentially including a synthetic ice rink.
  • The Market Hall car park was to be used for parking.
  • Christmas window competitions (Best Dressed Window and Best Illuminated Business ) were to be organised again.
  • The Find the Elf Christmas Trail was to be launched on 28 November and run throughout December to encourage local shopping.

The report recommended that the Working Party note the progress update on the 2026/27 events. Further updates were scheduled for the next meeting on 18 August 2026.

The meeting also included agenda items for the appointment of a chairman and deputy chairman for the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party for the ensuing municipal year, and the confirmation of the minutes from the previous meeting held on 11 February 2026. Declarations of interest were also scheduled to be addressed.