PLANS TO BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO GRADE II LISTED UNION HQ

AWARD-WINNING Leicesterbased Architects, project managers and interior designers SKM Design have recently submitted a planning application to bring a local vacant Grade II listed building back into use. The proposed scheme aims to transform the site into a multi-use offering that includes a gym, offices, café and rooftop shisha bar.

The property on St. James Street in Leicester city centre was built in the early 1900s and was the location of the former Boot and Shoe Operatives Union and National Union Headquarters. It is symbolic of Leicester’s prominence in the national boot and shoe industry and a reminder of its strong working-class traditions. However since the last occupiers, the Swaminarayan Mission group, left the premises in the early 2000s, the building has unfortunately fallen into a state of disrepair, suffering significant water damage and deterioration.

The new owners are two brothers who are embarking on this project after running a successful clothing manufacturing business. They understand the value of such a building for the city’s future and are determined to give back to the community, saying: “We have a plan [that will] preserve a historic building and make it accessible to the local public, promoting community engagement and participation, charitable events, youth programmes as well as wedding events and contributing to the local economy by attracting people to the area. It’s a heritage at risk building which needs full renovation. In this area many developers are converting buildings into flats and there is a huge demand for buildings like this especially with such a historic. [The development] will not only bring the building back to its former glory but also help to revitalise the surrounding area and bring people together once again.”

The brothers were keen to employ SKM Design following an introduction by a mutual contact and being made aware of director Sanjay Mistry’s notable experience and expertise in projects of this type. Plans were drawn up, supplemented with 3D visualisations and an in-depth supporting Design & Access Statement. The proposal required two separate planning applications: one for the change of use of the main part of the building and one for alterations to the listed part of the building. Leicester City Council’s decision on the St. James Street application is expected in August.

SKM Design are also working on the preliminary stages of several more city centre schemes, converting former commercial and industrial units into a variety of mixed use as well as residential schemes to help regenerate the area.

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Swadlincote site for 12 houses

GRIFFIN LAND are offering for sale a development site with full planning permission (ref: DMPA/2022/0350) for 12 detached housesat Brunt Lane, Woodville, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 7EW.

The site is roughly square and extends to approx.. 1.1 acres. It is currently vacant but was previously used for light agricultural use and allotments. No formal guide price has been set. VAT will apply.For an information pack, contact Phil McConnachie at Griffin Land on 07990 922359 or email: phil@ griffinland.co.uk

Honey’s £20m development planned for Matlock

HOUSEBUILDER Honey has submitted plans and exchanged contracts on a 10.5-acre site in Matlock to deliver a £20.35m, 75 new home development.

The proposed site, which will be called Hazel, is located opposite Matlock Golf Club on Chesterfield Road and was acquired from strategic land promoter Richborough Estates for an undisclosed sum.

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