The Community Scrutiny Committee of North West Leicestershire Council met on Thursday, 23 April 2026, to discuss the Moira Furnace Visitor Experience Improvement Programme and the Cabinet's response to previous scrutiny recommendations. The committee also reviewed outstanding actions and considered items for its future work programme.

Moira Furnace Visitor Experience Improvement Programme (Phase Two)

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder, presented the report on the Moira Furnace Visitor Experience Improvement Programme (Phase Two). This phase proposes significant investment in the site, including the development of an operational and storage facility for the Moira Furnace Museum Trust, a new visitor centre with café and restaurant facilities, and upgrades to site roadways, parking, and play areas. The estimated cost for Phase Two is £2,455,000, to be funded from the Business Rates Reserve.

The report highlighted that Phase One of the restoration and refurbishment works concluded in March 2026, with a launch event on 16 April 2026. Phase Two aims to further develop the site to enhance visitor experience and increase visitor numbers, aligning with the Council Delivery Plan and the Heart of the Forest Vision. The benefits expected include increased footfall, longer dwell times, and improved financial stability for the Trust. The committee was asked to provide comments and observations on the proposed programme for consideration by Cabinet on 19 May 2026.

Cabinet Response to Scrutiny Recommendations

The committee reviewed the Cabinet's response to recommendations made by the Community Scrutiny Committee on the Stenson Gardens Update Report. Cabinet noted the scrutiny committee's comments regarding the financial implications of affordable versus market housing, the project timeline, and the need for continued public consultation.

However, Cabinet did not support the recommendation that Cabinet encourage the Coalville Heritage Society to investigate funding options for archaeological investigations on the site. Cabinet was, however, in full support of the recommendation to undertake more marketing to showcase design visuals and promote the project to gain more community involvement, and this was approved.

Outstanding Actions Update

The committee noted the update on outstanding actions from previous meetings. The Marlborough Square Project Review showed progress, with a road closure for NWLDC planned events now in place and highway safety audits completed. The Coalville Regeneration Framework update indicated that financial information would be included in the Council's Capital monitoring papers, and a programme of live projects would be provided as an information paper for 26/27. An action regarding storage solutions for event equipment noted that a new storage facility at Forest Road is being developed, with a report due in Autumn 2026. The issue of electric scooters and cycles travelling at excessive speeds around Hermitage Lake was being monitored, with police patrols continuing and warning signs to be installed.

Items for Inclusion in the Future Work Programme

The committee considered items for inclusion in its future work programme. These included the Scrutiny Annual Report, the Resident Involvement Process, an update on the Marlborough Centre Regeneration, recommendations from the Water Management in the Coalville Strategic Growth Area Task and Finish Group, and an update and policy on the New Recycling Containers Project.

The committee also noted work requests that had been considered by the Scrutiny Work Programming Group, including the National Forest Line, S106 agreements and the transfer of open space and sustainable urban drainage systems, Housing Assistance Policy for NWLDC, and scoping work on Warehouse Design.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The officers advised that the press and public would be excluded during the consideration of Item 10, the Coalville Old Market Hall Regeneration Proposal, as it was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt or confidential information.

Public Question and Answer Session

There were no public questions submitted for this meeting.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 April 2026 were presented for approval. An amendment was noted to include the attendance of Councillor E Parle. Subject to this amendment, the minutes were approved as a correct record.