City Hall is taking a fresh step in trying to replace the Richmond Coliseum nearly four years after it was shuttered.

In a bid to get started, the city has issued an invitation to developers to submit applications by Dec. 20 to take on redevelopment of the Coliseum block bounded by 5th, 7th, Leigh and Marshall streets.

The request follows the award of the separate 68-acre Diamond District project that involves the redevelopment of largely city-owned property in an around the Diamond baseball stadium a few miles west on Arthur Ashe Boulevard.

The city is teaming with its Economic Development Authority and the Greater Richmond Convention Center Authority in seeking to get new development underway near City Hall on property once earmarked for the failed Navy Hill project.

The new request focuses on 9.4 acres on which stands the vacant arena, the historic Blues Armory, remnants of the long gone Sixth Street Marketplace and bits of park space.

Leonard Sledge, city director of economic development, said the goal is to find a developer willing to demolish the coliseum and create a mixed-used development anchored by a major hotel. The request urges responders to consider a mix of affordable and market-rate apartments or condos, retail stores, restaurants and office space, plus a gathering space at the center for community festivals and events.

While this action has begun, there still remains plenty of land near City Hall that remains vacant.

Mr. Sledge has not explained why his department has failed to issue requests for development for other blocks of property, including property at 6th and Grace streets and 4th and East Broad streets that remain parking lots.

He and his department also have so far failed to advance a proposal to turn city-owned parking garages near City Hall into platforms for development of affordable apartments.

He also has not responded to questions about the status of the Public Safety Building at 500 N. 10th St., which was sold to a private group for redevelopment that has yet to get underway.