The Community Scrutiny Committee of North West Leicestershire Council was scheduled to discuss the response from the Cabinet to previous scrutiny recommendations, and to consider improvements to the visitor experience at Moira Furnace. The committee was also due to review items for inclusion in its future work programme.

Cabinet Response to Scrutiny Recommendations

The committee was scheduled to review the Cabinet's response to recommendations made by the Community Scrutiny Committee. This included discussions on a housing development proposal for Stenson Gardens. The report pack indicated that scrutiny members had previously raised concerns about the financial implications of affordable versus market housing, favouring a mixed-use development with social housing and accessibility for specific demographics. They also highlighted the need for proper proportions of social housing. The Cabinet's response to these points was noted.

Regarding the project timeline for Stenson Gardens, scrutiny members had questioned the timing due to the risk of funds being absorbed into a new authority as part of Local Government Reorganisation. Officers acknowledged the criticality of time and the aim to secure maximum revenue within the current authority's lifetime.

Public consultation for Stenson Gardens was also a point of discussion, with members feeling that future marketing and public communication were essential. Officers confirmed their commitment to continued public engagement and communication throughout the project.

A recommendation was made for the Cabinet to encourage the Coalville Heritage Society to investigate funding options for archaeological investigations on the Stenson Gardens site. However, the Cabinet considered this recommendation but was not in support, and therefore it was not put to a vote.

Another recommendation was for the Cabinet to undertake more marketing to showcase design visuals and promote the Stenson Gardens project to gain more community involvement. The Cabinet was in full support of this recommendation, which was put to a vote and approved.

Moira Furnace Visitor Experience Improvement Programme (Phase Two)

The committee was scheduled to receive a report on the Moira Furnace Visitor Experience Improvement Programme (Phase Two). This programme is a key scheme within the Districtwide Regeneration Framework 2024 and aims to contribute to the transformation of the former coalfield area as part of the National Forest's vision for the Heart of the National Forest.

Moira Furnace, a scheduled monument dating back to 1806, is owned by the Council and operated by the Moira Furnace Museum Trust on behalf of the Council. The Trust receives an annual grant of £45,000 from the Council towards its running costs, with the Trust covering other day-to-day expenses. The Council retains liability for structural repairs.

Phase One restoration and refurbishment works concluded in March 2026, with a launch event on 16 April 2026. These works were intended to bring the monument to a good standard of repair, but further investment is planned to develop the wider site, enhance facilities, improve the visitor experience, and increase visitor numbers.

Phase Two investment proposes improvements including:

• A fit-for-purpose on-site operational and storage facility for the Trust.
• A new visitor centre, incorporating a café/restaurant, interpretation, and toilet facilities.
• Upgrades to site roadways and parking, including electric vehicle charging points, play facilities, and canal structural and safety works.

A further, uncosted, Phase Three is also being planned, which could focus on bridge loft access, basement entrance area, retaining walls, and monument interpretation and illumination.

The expected benefits of the Phase Two improvements include increased footfall and visitor numbers, longer dwell times on site, an upgraded visitor experience, enhanced reputation as a visitor attraction, increased footfall to associated businesses, and improved financial stability for the Trust.

The financial implications outlined in the report indicate a recommendation for the Council to allocate £2,455,000 for Phase Two, comprising £446,000 for consultancy fees and £2,009,000 for construction over the next two years (2026-2028). This would require a further allocation to the Council's Capital Programme from the Business Rates Reserve.

The procurement of the professional design team is proposed to be via a call-off contract from the Scape Framework, with Perfect Circle as the preferred consultants. The method for procuring the construction contract will be determined later but is likely to involve a mini-competition using a national framework.

The report also detailed the project timeframe, with RIBA stages for the operational building and visitor centre planned between July 2026 and June 2027, and construction for access, parking, and play facilities scheduled from June 2027 to December 2028.

Items for Inclusion in the Future Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to consider items for inclusion in its future work programme. This included a review of the National Forest Line and its potential future, S106 agreements and the transfer of open space and sustainable urban drainage systems, and matters reserved for future consideration regarding the Housing Assistance Policy for NWLDC. Additionally, the committee was to consider scoping work on warehouse design within the district.

Coalville Old Market Hall Regeneration Proposal

This item was scheduled for discussion but was to be held in private, with the press and public excluded, in accordance with Section 100(a) of the Local Government Act 1972. This was due to the likelihood of the disclosure of exempt or confidential information.

Outstanding Actions Update

The committee was also scheduled to review an update on outstanding actions from previous meetings. This included progress on the Marlborough Square Project, with final project close-down figures anticipated during the 2026/27 financial year. An update on the Coalville Regeneration Framework was also to be provided, with regeneration project capital funding to be included in the Council's Capital monitoring papers. Actions related to storage solutions for event equipment and issues with electric scooters and cycles around Hermitage Lake were also to be reviewed.