Date: 21/01/2021

Snibston Colliery Park is officially complete following an ambitious £3m regeneration scheme carried out by Fortem, in partnership with Leicestershire County Council.

The project, procured through SCAPE, the UK’s leading public procurement authority, is being accelerated through SCAPE Construction, a direct award framework designed to drive collaborative behaviours, speed of delivery, local economic benefits and value for the taxpayer.

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.

By opening up access to the area around the colliery buildings visitors can learn more about the story of Coalville. There’s also a host of new features including the Colliery Café, Snibston Heritage Trail, a play area and Grange Nature Reserve.

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."

Mark Robinson, group chief executive of SCAPE, said: “The need to drive positive and sustainable change within communities has been accelerated during the pandemic. If we are going to truly build back better, then we must continue to support the health and unity of communities through conscientious construction."

“The regeneration of Snibston Colliery Park is a fantastic example of a project enhancing local communities and delivering long-term benefits for residents whilst celebrating the mining heritage of the area. Together with our framework and the commitment from both Fortem and Leicestershire County Council, we are sure the development will play an important role in the community for many years to come.”

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 an important 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.