Shepshed Market Place reopens following improvement work

Published: Fri 22nd March, 2024

A multi-million-pound facelift for Market Place in Shepshed has been completed.

The project led by Charnwood Borough Council has created a more open and pedestrian-friendly space with increased parking in the area for visitors and shoppers.

A larger pedestrianised area has been created in front of shops at Market Place and on the corner of Brook Street and Church Street to create a much-improved environment for visitors and shoppers.

Pedestrian safety has been improved by realigning Brook Street and the creation of a new 20mph zone. The pedestrian crossing has been moved slightly to make it safer to use.

There is also increased parking in the area along with new seating, cycle parking facilities, trees and planting being added.

The improvement works have already helped stimulate new private sector investment in the Market Place area. This includes investment in the creation of new business space, the refurbishment of empty commercial premises as well as improvements to shop frontages, leading to opportunities for business creation and expansion.  

The scheme was supported by £850,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is one of 10 projects chosen by Charnwood Borough Council. The Council has been allocated £4 million from the fund to invest in communities, support local businesses and improve skills.

Funding was also provided by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, Section 106 developer contributions and the borough council.

The improvements have been developed with Shepshed Town Council and Shepshed Town Team.

Cllr Jewel Miah, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “It is so pleasing to see this project completed and it has made the area a much more attractive place for people.

“We have worked closely with the town council and the town team in consultation with local businesses and residents throughout the process and I hope these improvements will have a positive impact on the town.

“The area is now better for residents and is much more accessible and safer.”

Cllr Jennifer Tillotson, the Council’s lead member for economic development, regeneration and town centres added: “It is great to see the improvement work completed in Market Place. It has transformed this area of the town for residents and visitors and for business owners around the centre of Shepshed.

“The feedback from businesses has been positive.”

Andy Reed OBE, LLEP co-chair, said: “We are very pleased to have supported other organisations in delivering this regeneration scheme which will have a significant impact on Shepshed, its residents and visitors.

“This piece of work is an effective use of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the results of it are fantastic. This will go a long way in supporting local businesses in Shepshed town centre for many years to come.”

Cllr Jane Lennie, chair of Shepshed Town Council, said: “The town council is pleased to see the improvements be completed. We are really happy with the outcome and believe that residents and businesses will benefit hugely from the scheme.”

The total cost of the scheme is around £2.5m for the Market Place scheme.

More works are planned for Shepshed to improve Bull Ring and Hall Croft.

For more information these elements of the scheme, please visit our webpage.