Coalville over-55s scheme approved

Plans for a 77-home development for over-55s in Coalville have been approved, marking progress in the town’s wider regeneration plans.

The scheme will redevelop vacant industrial land near Baker Street into affordable social rent housing. It will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, alongside shared facilities such as residents’ lounges, guest accommodation, office space and parking.

rg+p’s design was inspired by Coalville’s industrial heritage, as lead architect, Sarah Grocock explains: “Our material choices focused on red brick and clay tiles to provide a connection with Coalville’s industrial past, but the design introduces familiar shapes such as feature gables to soften the scheme and give it a residential feel.

“Different streetscapes define character areas throughout the building and help signal the transition between public, semi-private and private space. We also sought to harness the level change within the site to create meaningful amenity space, with the sunken garden providing a focal point for this,” adds Sarah.

The project also includes landscaped outdoor areas, with plans for a sunken garden, and new access routes, including an extension to Linden Way funded by North West Leicestershire District Council.

Sustainable drainage systems and biodiversity features will form part of the development. These include nest and bat bricks, bee bricks and habitats designed for invertebrates.

rg+p is working with Geda Construction for Trent & Dove. Construction is expected to begin shortly. The wider project team includes Arcadis, BSP Consulting, Langcroft and William Saunders.