Work starts on Snibston regeneration project

Works begin at Snibston Colliery.

Building work has started on a project to transform the former Snibston Colliery site.

The £3m regeneration scheme is being carried out by Leicestershire County Council.

The work currently taking place is part of plans to build a new environmentally-friendly café which will form part of the Century Theatre and open during the evenings with themed events to complement the theatre’s programmes.

Once finished, the café will aim to become a plastic-free zero waste hub for community events and recreational activities like cycling.

They want Snibston Country Park to be an asset for the community, which stays true to the site’s mining heritage roots.

Nick Rushton Leader of Leicestershire County Council said: “We are a green council and tackling climate change is one of our top priorities. 

“We take our commitments to reduce carbon very seriously and this redevelopment will help towards our goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.”

The authority is also planning to include a new heritage trail, improved country park, a play area, open space and picnic site.

Visitors will enjoy cycle routes, mountain bike trails and a new interpretation of the historic colliery site.

Construction company Fortem were chosen to deliver the project on site.

Mick Williamson, managing director at Fortem, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Leicestershire County Council to deliver the work at Snibston Country Park.

 “The works will help reconnect the site with the local community by creating a new build café extension, a new cycleway as well as refurbishment to various heritage areas on the site.

 “It’s always great to carry out work on sites with such heritage, and utilising our energy services and sustainability expertise we’ll be able to bring Leicestershire County Council’s vision to life.”

The county council is also working with the Snibston Heritage Group to provide interpretation and access to the historic colliery buildings and the story of Coalville.

The authority expects to complete the project in phases by the end of August 2020.