Snibston Colliery Park reopens

The Snibston Colliery Park in Coalville has officially reopened following a £3m regeneration scheme carried out by Leicestershire County Council.

Building work for the project started in February 2020, incorporating a range of developments that reconnect the heritage of the site with the local community.  

There’s a host of new features including the Colliery Café, Snibston Heritage Trail, a play area and Grange Nature Reserve.  

County council Leader Nick Rushton said: “This has been an ambitious but carefully considered regeneration project. Not only does the site honour its mining heritage roots, but it’s also a commitment to the future, securing long term benefits for the local area.

“The redevelopment of this site intended to make the park more attractive for families, dog walkers and cyclists to explore. Visiting the site now, and seeing all the new facilities, including the cycleway which reconnects the former colliery with the town, there are lots of different things to discover with something for everyone.  

“We are delighted it is now open and we look forward to seeing visitors enjoying everything it has to offer for years to come.”

Leicestershire County Council has worked closely with Snibston Heritage Trust and North West Leicestershire District Council on the project.

Important artefacts have been preserved and a new home has also been found for the old railway track, which is now being cared for by Great Central Railway. 

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, said:  “This is a big day for Coalville, for the first time in 40 years the front gates of the former Snibston pit are open and people are pouring in to use the new cycle tracks, play equipment and café. Adding the new pedestrian and cycleway link to the town centre for all the residents on that side of town is also a big plus. We’re on a journey of regeneration in Coalville and this excellent county council project is another welcome step towards this goal.

“I’m pleased that people will now get to see the world class heritage at Snibston, which is considered as important as Stonehenge. It’s also great news that the new car park is to be linked to the football pitches which will take the pressure off Owen Street.

“With Newmarket nearing completion, the Belvoir Centre set for a major revamp and a multi-million pound Future High Street Fund bid being considered by Government – potentially opening the door to lots more regeneration opportunities – the future is looking bright for Coalville.”

Mick Williamson, managing director at Fortem, said “We are extremely pleased that Snibston Colliery Park is now open to the public. It has been a pleasure working with Leicestershire County Council to deliver this landmark project at a site with such rich history. It is clear that the regenerated park will play an important role in the community, helping to tell the story of Coalville while providing new and exciting amenities.”

“I would like to thank everyone involved in the project for their hard work and commitment, in particular our committed and dedicated supply chain partners. It has been a partnership between all parties and we hope that visitors from the local community and beyond enjoy the new park.” 

Outdoor activities are a feature of the development including a new play area, a cycleway connecting Coalville town centre to the Colliery Park and a 4km mountain bike trail (opening Spring 2021) which, it’s anticipated, will attract cyclists from across the UK.