A tourist attraction labelled a 'jewel' within Leicestershire could have a new visitor centre and better parking facilities built as a council plans to fund the scheme.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) are in the early stages of planning the second phase of a regeneration scheme for Moira Furnace, which reopened in April.

The museum, which dates back to 1806, needed £490,000 worth of repairs after being damaged by water leaks but reopened a year later after closing its doors for repairs.

However, NWDLC said the renovation was only phase one of a three-phase scheme to make the attraction "a major tourism asset".

As much as £2.4m could be invested under the second phase of the improvement scheme, which could involve building a visitor centre in the area, featuring a café, storage facilities, improved parking with electric vehicle charging points, play facilities, and canal structural safety works.

Mark Scothern, chair of Moira Furnace Museum Trust, told councillors during a recent scrutiny meeting that facilities at the attraction "were a bit tired".

He added: "They work and everybody makes them work.

"I think the site is getting to a point now where it is reaching capacity and it's on the brink of needing some expansion and development. And as far as I understand them, they are hugely welcome."

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Councillor Mike Ball (Con) told the committee that the plans would make a "big difference to the future life of the furnace" and it was "one of the jewels in [our] crown".

During the scrutiny meeting, councillors welcomed the plans but urged caution over potential parking charges and squeezing them in before local government reorganisation.

According to plans, phase three could include a new "basement entrance area" as well as "monument interpretation and illumination".

The council hopes that the new plans will lead to "increased footfall and visitor numbers", "longer time on site" and an "visitor experience upgrade".

NWLDC cabinet members are set to meet to discuss the proposed plans on May 19 before recommending them during a full council meeting.