The fully revived Ivanhoe Line could ‘do wonders’ for the city’s regeneration

A fully revived Ivanhoe line could “do wonders” for the revitalization of Coalville, according to Councilor Richard Blunt, head of the district council. He believed a number of the city’s ongoing projects could be further boosted by the rail link, which aims to restore passenger services for the first time since the 1960s.

The fate of the Ivanhoe line currently rests with the government and is closer than ever to happening after previous efforts fell at the first hurdle. This latest campaign to restore services on the line between Leicester and Burton has been led by the group Campaign to Reopen the Ivanhoe Line (CRIL) and is supported by several authorities, including North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC).

A business case on planned services between Coalville and Derby is currently before government officials, with the green light yet to be secured. Conde Blunt believes strongly in what it could do for Coalville, telling LeicestershireLive: “You have to look at where we were in the idea of ​​the Ivanhoe line 10 years ago to where we are now. They are worlds apart. It’s very close now and could really do wonders for the revitalization of Coalville. It could be the catalyst for so much.”

READ MORE: £2.7m Coalville regeneration project is chance to ‘prove the doubters wrong’, says council boss

If approved, the first phase of the Ivanhoe line would see Coalville and Derby connected by stations at Ashby, Castle Gresley and Burton. A link to Leicester is the second phase planned by CRIL – including a new Leicester South station close to the King Power Stadium – before eventually linking it to the Midland Main Line and potential travel links to London.

Infrastructure costs to connect Coalville to Leicester South station would cost more than £270 million, according to the latest figures from CRIL and Network Rail. Coun Blunt admits the cost might be an eye-opener for some, but he believed it would be worth it in the long run for Coalville and the wider region.

He said: “All the projects we are doing in Coalville are part of a puzzle that comes together, but the real big piece that could take the town forward is the Ivanhoe Line. It could bring so much to the city in terms of business and traffic, and it could do so much for everyone along the line.

“It would also give people the long-awaited rail link they have wanted for so long. At the moment, if you want to go to a big city here, the car is the only option.”

The Ivanhoe Line is backed across the political spectrum, with North West Leicestershire’s new Labor MP Amanda Hack declaring the project her “number one priority”. The NWLDC has previously said the station in Coalville could be located next to the town’s former market hall or in nearby Wolsey Road, but until the plan is given the green light they can’t go ahead.

However, Conte Blunt says the future looks good for the project. He said: “For years the idea – just like improving Coalville for a lot of people – was dead. Both are now making great strides. We are now relying on the government and I will be meeting with Amanda soon to insist on what we can do.”

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