The site of the former Minnesotas public house in the heart of Coalville is to become a £3.6m development, providing brand new much needed housing for local families.

Work has commenced on the partnership scheme between Loughborough-based developer and contractor William Davis Ltd, local housing provider East Midlands Housing Association (EMHA) and the Homes and Communities Agency. When complete, the development named 'The Leys' will comprise three 2-bedroom houses, nine 3-bedroom houses, nine 2-bedroom apartments, and six 1-bedroom apartments – a total of 27 new homes. EMHA will make nine of the homes available for shared ownership, with 18 for affordable rent.


Richard Cornes, partnerships director at William Davis, said: "It is good to commence work on this site, which has been a long and difficult process to get to this stage. Soon we will see the transformation of this gateway into Coalville town by the construction of these high quality new homes for EMHA."

Commenting on the scheme, EMHA’s director of development, Jim Patman, said: "We recognise the importance of the location of the site, on the main route into Coalville from the M1, and with the vision of A&G Architects and the NWLDC’s Urban Designer, intend the buildings to become a prominent landmark in the town. We want to thank all our partners, particularly the Homes and Communities Agency for providing the grant funding to make this happen."

William Davis is also building a retail unit on the site, which will provide further local amenities for new residents and the surrounding area. The scheme is scheduled for completion in April 2013.

(CD/GK)