THE ambitious programme to renovate Moira Furnace and improve the surrounding country park is set to continue following a North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) Cabinet recommendation to allocate £2.45 million in investment from the council's business rates reserve.

Moira Furnace, the historic blast furnace on the Ashby-de-la-Zouch canal at the heart of the National Forest, reopened in April 2026 following the first phase of the project led by the council: a year-long programme of renovation works to protect the building, and improvements to the surrounding area.

The second phase of the programme aims to improve the experience for visitors over the next two years, with the proposals including the introduction of a visitor hub and café, and improved access, parking and play facilities.

At a meeting of the cabinet on Monday, 8 June members will vote on a recommendation to allocate a total of £2,455,000 to the council's capital programme.

Cllr Andrew Woodman, portfolio holder for housing, property and customer services, said: "Following the impressive renovation of Moira Furnace, led by NWLDC alongside our contractors and partners from the Moira Furnace Museum Trust and the National Forest, I'm delighted that we should soon be able to move to the second phase of this project.

"Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park is an area of huge historical significance and an integral part of the district's industrial heritage.

"We're committed to making it a great place to visit and learn about the history of this unique building and its surroundings.

"Easier access, better parking, improved play facilities and a brand-new visitor hub will ensure that a trip to Moira Furnace is one that everybody can enjoy."

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