NICHE FEATURE
Developing a vibrant city The ongoing developments that will enhance Leicester’s status as a ‘vibrant’ city and attract residents, workers and visitors WORDS BY KERRY SMITH
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amed one of Britain’s most vibrant cities, Leicester really has become a ‘destination’ for living and working, but also for people to visit for shopping trips, nights out and tourism. Coming in at fourth place in the Top Cities: Vibrancy Report, Leicester has been recognised for its markets, eateries, bars, and independent shops. With such an offering attracting so many people to the city, it’s important that it also accommodates them. Leicester is a hive of activity at the moment with developments taking place all over. From hotels for tourists and commuters to new homes for those looking to relocate, and regeneration projects to boost trade, here are some of the key developments making Leicester a cut above the rest.
Hotel Brooklyn
The 191-room hotel stands tall next to Leicester Tiger’s Welford Road Stadium. It offers high-class corporate hospitality, versatile dining, and atmospheric accommodation with a number of skyline suites.
Waterside regeneration
This project, transforming a 150 acre, largely run-down former industrial site, began in 2015. The area is high priority for regeneration and will act as a catalyst to future investment to improve the area for residents and businesses. It aims to create 350 new homes, 455 new jobs, 5,574m2 of new commercial workspace, and unlock a follow on investment of £80m and the development of a 252bed hotel.
King Power Stadium expansion
Awaiting a decision from the council, LCFC has impressive plans to increase the capacity of its stadium to 40,000 with an added entertainment arena and a hotel. It’s estimated to create 1000 permanent jobs and that additional match-going visitors will increase annual spend in the city by up to £10.5m a year.
Construction Skills Hub
A new training hub to help people build a career in the construction industry aims to offer training in construction skills to more than 400 people over two years, with a goal of securing sustained employment for at least half of those taking part.
Loughborough regeneration
The £3.8m scheme aims to increase footfall to boost trade in Loughborough town centre. It will see footpaths widened and repaved to create attractive street scenes that showcase the area’s distinct character and heritage. A large open space in Devonshire Square is also to be created to host events.
Grand Hotel heritage project
Plans have been submitted for a major heritage project that will help restore Leicester’s Grand Hotel to its former glory. The Grade II listed building is set to be repaired and restored as part of Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zones. The shopfronts that line the hotel would be reinstated as close to the building’s original design as possible, using a sustainable hardwood timber and toughened glass.
Low carbon scheme
Thirty-eight new energy-efficient homes are being built off Saffron Road. The works for the £12m low carbon scheme, carried out by developer Robert Woodhead, are expected to be complete by 2024. There will be ten wheelchair-accessible bungalows. The homes will cut carbon emissions by around 75%, the equivalent to a carbon saving of around 67 tonnes per year. NICHE | 61
