The New Leicester - a city and its regeneration

Another blow to region

2012-01-11T09:18:00.001-08:00

As if being ignored it seems in general, the East Midlands has been by-passed in agreed plans for an new high speed rail link from London to the north. There isn't even talk of a parkway station to serve the region anymore. Yes there will be economic benefits but only to the regions that will eventually be served by the so called HS2 - London, Birmingham and Leeds for example (there's no surprise then !)

A decision can't even be made on electrifying the Midland Mainline, which compared to HS2, will cost peanuts. So slowly the region and more so Leicester will loose even more when it comes to developing its economy. There's no justice in the world!

Council HQ set to go

2012-01-01T12:16:00.000-08:00

Firstly a Happy New Year for 2012 to all readers!

It was announced that the Leicester City Council HQ on New Walk, which consists of 2 tower blocks, will be demolished within a couple of years after assessments found the buildings to be unsafe. The city mayor wishes for a replacement to be built on the same site. The buildings were built in the early 70s after which the council decided to move in to them and ever since have been riddled with problems.

More information on this can read the Leicester Mercury website article.

This could be a great opportunity to build a true landmark for the authority. But this is Leicester and as the Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, puts it in the article "The people of Leicester wouldn't forgive us for building extravagant new headquarters. It won't be a grand design, a concept building, or a glass palace, it will be sensible and environmentally-friendly.".

Again it seems a quality build of good architecture has to involve huge costs. Yes there will be huge costs, but is it not possible to build something special for a smaller budget? Or am I being to naive to even think that our council could come up a with design which doesn't cost the earth and which doesn't look bog-standard. Of course we do not want something which will cost many, many millions, but this opportunity will not arise again for many years and a mistake can not be rectified when built.

There is a poll on the menu to the right. Please take part.

Access to heritage

2011-12-08T12:58:00.001-08:00

It's about time plans were drawn up to reconnect the city's historic assets, after the disasterous rebuilding of the 60s and 70s. The City Mayor has now come up with a plan to reconnect the city's cathedral area with the Castle Park area, which currently is split by St Nicholas Circle. This is a long time coming and I hope it comes to fruition, especially since other ideas never left the drawing board. For more on this see: http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Leicester-mayor-s-bid-change-city-layout/story-14045083-detail/story.html

Where's the ambition?

2011-10-02T12:36:00.000-07:00

There's a danger that this city is accepting any old development, without consodering the future (nothing new there then!), I mostly refer to student accommodation developers who seems to want to erect faceless boxes on prime plots of land. Yes it's better than no development, but come on the city will have to live with these things for a very long time. Isn't it about time someone put their foot down and say that this city deserves some truley special schemes? Worse still there is land ripe for development which is now being left as wasteland or or for the ever increasing car plots. Come in City Mayor, please help this city see it's full potential!

Physical construction

2011-07-27T14:17:00.000-07:00

Finally there are signs of actual physical construction work happening in the city.

The former Southgates Bus Station site is now cleared for the major mixed use development by Applegate, details of which are still under wraps and another crane (total now 2, the other being on Peacock Lane) has now been built to build the 22 storey, 'elliptical' student accommodation tower on Eastern Boulevard.

Hopefully this will be the start of other schemes in the city centre, many of which are consented on paper, but have yet to manifest themselves.

Prospect Leicestershire to be no more

2011-06-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

Leicester City Council has announced that their funding would be cut for Prospect Leicestershire (the body which is/was responsible for bringing jobs and economic prosperity to the city and county) and therefore this organisation will now cease to exist. Personally I feel that they did not contribute much for advancing the regeneration of the city (at least), despite the recession I feel that they could have achieved more. The 'major announcement' earlier in the year was a big let down for the city, though it has brought much optimism for the county as a whole.

The new City Mayor for Leicester (Sir Peter Soulsby) wishes the city council to take over some of the responsibilities of Prospect Leicestershire. On paper this sounds good, but will the city council be bold and brave enough to bring real, quality and nationally/internationally important regeneration projects to the city?

For more on this story see: 'Prospect Leicestershire faces closure as funding is cut' (Leicester Mercury)
'Mayor takes charge of job creation' (Leicester Mercury)

First Mayor for city and hopes for a positive change

2011-05-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Sir Peter Soulsby on becoming Leicester's first directly elected Mayor and the first one for any major city outside of London. His plans for the city will be announced shortly.

I really hope that he can bring our great city forwards both in terms of recognition and in its development. This is perhaps the impetus that the city needs to counteract the ill-thought and hap hazard development of the past. We are counting on you Sir Peter - please do not let us down!

New Leicester website

2011-04-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

Why not check out this new website: New Leicester, which has a more detailed look at the city's development. There is a link on the right hand side menu.

Bath Lane Towers scheme is re-ignited in another form

2011-04-19T02:57:00.000-07:00

I cautiously welcome this news, as a large student accommodation developer wishes to keep the proposed 22 and 27 towers on Bath Lane, without the 'glass' element. Instead other material will be used for more affordable apartments.

Great news, but it must ensured that the material used is not cheap and cheerful and that the design will enhance the city and the precious site with a landmark scheme.

For more on this see the Leicester Mercury article online.

'Major Investment opportunity' - not for city

2011-03-11T12:37:00.000-08:00

Well all the hype of this major new opportunity has nothing to do with the city. Although great news that the Donington race track site will once again be used, it was thought, the way the media was suggesting that a city site was to be unveiled.

But as with many things, this city will once again be disappointed.

I'm really concerned that the people that have the power to make this city one of the best are not doing enough. I feel helpless when seeing my city not being pushed to its full potential.

Yes we are in hard times, but no can even muster up a scheme that would make other cities even care what we are doing. All we seem to get are ideas, feasability studies and extremely watered down versions of developments.

Maybe I'm just being pessimistic, but this news doesn't help.

For more on this see this Leicester Mercury article: http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/news/RACE-TRACK-PLAN-BRING-HUGE-JOBS-BOOST/article-3319520-detail/article.html

Regeneration restart?

2011-02-25T12:09:00.000-08:00

It's nice to see developments being rekindled here and there as confidence grows in the economy. No more can this be seen than in the 'major investment opportunity' dubbed for the city which shall be annouced at the MIPIM conference in Cannes, France (see this Leicester Mercury article on this story). This has been talked of over the past year or so and may involve one or more of the key development areas of the city's regeneration masterplan (remember that?).

This may bring a major international player into the revival of the city.

Let's hope other major schemes will start again, such as around the Old Town and river areas (i.e Blackfriars).

City gateway marginally better

2010-12-11T06:37:00.000-08:00

Now that the horrid underpass near the railway station has gone, the area now looks marginally better with the so called 'super crossing' (basically a glorified pelican crossing with more space for more people to cross).

This however does not change the fact that nearby Granby Street needs a huge upheaval in terms of its general appearance and its retail offer (see rant in my last post).

Oh well small steps will go along way...as usual.

Lack of progress frustration

2010-09-03T13:46:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a bit of a rant, but I know many of you out there will agree to what I have to say.

Now that the Highcross Shopping Centre has reached it's 2 year milestone, it has no doubt brought much positive attention to the city as a whole.

Unfortunately the rest of the city centre seems to have remained in limbo in terms of major investment. Yes we've had the pedetrianisation and all that, but ultimately nothing else. Shops have either closed or relocated nearer to the bright lights of Highcross and left many units empty, some only to be filled with shops that wouldn't look out of place in a town (not city) with no ambition. It's frustrating that the ambition shown by the Highcross developers, is not shown by the people who can make a difference to the city centre, such as the local authority, individual shop owners, etc.

Highcross is being relied upon too much to spring the rest of the city centre forward. This should not be the case. Where's the ambition to totally rejuvenate the rest of the city centre and not just the roads? Why are there no plans to attract more top and high-end retailers to attractive streets such as Market Street or Granby Street (rather than bog standard and unhealthy take aways)?

Granby Street (the main road into the city centre from the railway station) at it's southern end is total embaressment at the moment; with empity units and run down shops. If I as a local feel ashamed of this, how do visitors feel then?! And don't get me started in Belgrave Gate and Charles Street.

We may have a much better selection of shops now, and it hurts to say this - but no way are we the best retail centre in the region. All the new names are in Highcross and not really anywhere else. We need luxury brands to move into other parts of the city, rather than tucked away in an enclave in a shopping centre. Where are all the designer shops? Nottingham and Birmingham city centres have them and not us! Why, because the rest of the city centre is left to rot (or as it seems anyway) and no one seems to want to take a radical look at the city centre and transform it into something really special. Locals can imagine a great city, but unfortunately they do not have the power to do anything, except to take part in half-baked surveys which come to nothing. The Haymarket Centre could have been transformed, but no we are stuck with it, the old Littlewoods building could have been rebuilt, but no it was 'spruced up' and still acts as a concrete monster behind the timid clock tower. When things go wrong in this city, boy do they royally go wrong, all because there is no ambition.

I would like to request that the current city centre manager to read this and comments made on the East Midlands Skyscrapercity forum (Leicester threads) and see what people think of our fair city.

Some good news

2010-08-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

Finally after a decade, the Silver Arcade will be refurbished into a boutique retail experience (see: Leicester Mercury article). Being a Listed building, work will take almost 2 years to complete in order to develop the building in the the right way.

Hopefully this refurbishment will help pull more people back towards the old town area.

Cultural Quarter woes

2010-08-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

The much talked of 'Cultural Quarter' seems to be getting some flack of recently, especially with current issues such as more funding needed for the Phoenix Square building (see this Leicester Mercury article). It's a great building amongst a dead street scene. Vacant land, abandoned factory units and promised development placards do not help its situation. Although there is further development planned for the site, possibly a hotel or offices (see this Leicester Mercury article), it is vital that the surrounding land is developed simultaneously.

With the way things are going, all that will be on offer in the area will be 3 major venues (Curve, Athena and Phoenix Square), a few eateries and loads of planned or empty apartments. Come on the people that are in power - do something and don't make our city a laughing stock of bad planning...again!

The recently opened 'Leicester Walk of Fame' doesn't seem to have helped much either.

Major city schemes face possible axe!

2010-06-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

Very worrying and disappointing news broke today about the likely axing of major city projects such as the new business quarter and the science park. This is all to do with the government trying to save money to fill the major hole in the country's finances.

For more on this story read the Leicester Mercury article.

Stopping these would no doubt have a major negative impact on the city's future and economy. These 2 projects are the backbone of the city's regeneration plans and removing them would collapse the masterplan for the city.

Westbridge Towers scheme ditched

2010-04-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

Sad news, but Leicester's hopes of having the East Midlands tallest tower have all but now disappeared. The company behind the Westbridge Towers scheme Westbridge Living have abandoned plans which would have included three towers of varying heights, with the tallest at 39 storeys including a 5 star hotel. The 'banks' (yes those 'banks') would not provide the vast sums of money needed for the scheme in the current economic climate. Four years after the scheme was first proposed, Leicester will need to wait even longer to see whether it will ever see such a scheme again. Hopefully it will.

See the Leicester Mercury article for more on this story.

Help promote your city - put 'Leicester On The Map' !

2010-04-03T15:52:00.000-07:00

A great new campaign has been launched to get people to promote Leicester and to showcase all its great assets. The camapaign's website is www.leicesteronthemap.org.uk and the dedicated Facebook site gives more details of how one can get involved and the Flickr page also promoting this is available at: http://www.flickr.com/groups/leicesteronthemap/ .

Too often we compalin about the lack of positive advertising of the city, therefore don't miss this opportunity to promote the Great City of Leicester!

Leicester On The Map website

Leicester On The Map Facebook site

Leicester On The Map on Flickr

Sad and neglected

2010-03-07T11:49:00.000-08:00

If one looks around the Bath Lane/Blackfriars area of the city, you wouldn't be blamed for saying it looks like a ghost town. The grand plans for the whole area, including the Blackfriars scheme, the redevelopment of the former Donisthorpe Mills and the planned Westbridge Towers all seem a long way away.

The whole area, even in glorious sunlight, looks extremely depressing and neglected. Although understandably no one can blame the developers in this time of economic crisis, the whole area lets the city centre down.

Let's hope any development will start soon and make this one of the more attractive parts of the
city.

New Royal Mail site?

2010-02-20T08:35:00.000-08:00

Something seems to be actually happening with regards to the Business Quarter scheme. Plans have been approved for the Royal Mail to relocate to a site on Charter Street (the current sorting office is next to the train station). This will no doubt make things progress much faster, if the Royal Mail choose to relocate to the new site.

Read more about this on the Leicester Mercury website.

Business Quarter officially approved

2010-01-29T13:56:00.000-08:00

To add to the good news about a possible move by Royal Mail from the area for the proposed new business quarter, the development plans for the whole area were apporoved this week by Leicester City Council. The scheme which will form a new 'gateway' to the city, will include high quality offices, a luxury hotel, a new multi-storey car park and a remodelled railway station.

About time there was good news on the development front in the city, especially for a scheme which has chopped and changed since it's first inception back in 2001, such as the scrapping of the 'taming' of the ring road and other factors such as the buildings which are now set to remain on the site such as St Geoerge's Tower and Elizabeth House.

The Leicester City Council website announced this good news.

Business Quarter update

2010-01-26T10:57:00.001-08:00

After what seems like an age, there seems to be some progress with regards to the proposed Business Quarter near the Railway Station.

It seems that Royal Mail may might be relocating after the Leicestershire development agency 'Prospect Leicestershire' offered a sum in the millions for its relocation from beside Leicester train station. Hopefully this will kick start a quality redevelopment of the station and its surroundings.

For more on this development see the Leicester Mercury article.

Poll error

2009-12-27T06:52:00.000-08:00

Apologies for those who have been trying to vote, until now the poll was shown as being 'closed'. This has been fixed and it is now possible to vote in the poll.

Latest poll

2009-12-17T12:08:00.000-08:00

Please take part in the latest poll on the blog, concerning the future of St George's Tower. It can be viewed on the menu to the right. ------>

Blue building is in the red!

2009-12-16T12:37:00.000-08:00

The future of Leicester's St George's Tower (renamed St George's Central) is in doubt after money troubles. The building (a 1970s office building), which was painted in a controversial blue colour has been handed over to a bank. For on this story see the related Leicester Mercury article.

Could this be a one-off opportunity to redevelop this building into a quality development? This opportunity may never come again.

New bus station plans.

2009-11-19T11:54:00.000-08:00

Exciting plans for a new 'airport style' bus station have been unveiled for land near Mansfield Street, which may include the existing station building or a replacment. Initial costs are estimated to be £67 million and funding from the government will be sought, with an expected start date of 2014. For more on these exciting plans see the Leicester Mercury article.

Peacock Lane scheme

2009-11-06T11:18:00.000-08:00

Exciting plans are being drawn up for a scheme on the old Southgates bus station site on Peacock Lane. Plans may include a luxury hotel and conference centre. This will be a much needed boost to a relatively forgotten side of the city centre. This scheme, along with the Cathedral Square nearby will make this a great leisure and business destunation.

For more on this new scheme see the Leicester Mercury article.

Are things on the up again, literally?

Poll

2009-10-30T03:43:00.001-07:00

Please take part in this month's poll, which can be found on the menu to the right.--->

Signs of picking up?

2009-10-24T06:19:00.000-07:00

For the first time in ages, a new development in the city has started with the redevelopment of the former Abbey Mills on Abbey Park Road. There's a lot of demolition going on at the moment, though hopefully the site won't stay empty and barren like others dotted around the city centre.

Does this mean the other proposed developments further up the same road will also begin? Hopefully.

Speedway set to return to Leicester

2009-09-28T03:03:00.000-07:00

Plans which include a new motorbike speedway track and other facilities, such as a velodrome have been approved by the city council and work shall start on the Beaumont Leys scheme next month. Great news after the demise of the Saffron Lane velodrome and for lovers of Speedway.

For more on this story see this Leicester Mercury article.

Silver Arcade plans approved

2009-09-23T12:28:00.001-07:00

The plans to turn the city's Victorian Silver Arcade into a food-centred destination have been approved conditionally and will include a new restaurant on the top floor.

Great news after years of incertainty over this, the country's only 4 storey shopping arcade.

For more see the Leicester Mercury article on the scheme.

Cathedral Square

2009-09-08T02:28:00.000-07:00

The Diocese of Leicester are planning to transform the area around the cathedral with plans for a new diocese centre (former Leicester Grammar School building) and a new public Square on Peacock Lane. This will bring a much needed boost to this pretty, yet relatively undiscovered part of the city.

For more information visit the Cathedral Square website.

Highcross is 1 years old!

2009-09-05T14:09:00.001-07:00

Happy 1st Birthday to the Highcross Shopping Centre, which was officially opened 1 year ago on the 4th September 2008. The numbers which have visited the centre since opening have been beyond expectations.

See the Leicester Mercury for more on this story and for information about the celebrations taking place this weekend, see the main Highcross Shopping Centre website.

New gallery redesign?

2009-09-03T10:39:00.001-07:00

It seems that the proposed new contemporary art gallery (to replace the City Gallery on Granby Street) on New Walk may need to be redesigned after much opposition to it's modern design, which may or may not match the surrounding historic New Walk.

See this Leicester Mercury article for more on this story.

An iconic building (in the right way) is needed, as such opportunities do not always come.

Please take part in this month's poll (on panel on the right) to do with this issue.

DMU's new Business and Law building latest

2009-08-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

De Montfort University's new Business and Law building seems almost complete externally. The distinct green cladding is up and it's assumed work will start soon on the new piazza in front of the Magazine:

This is one development that will change the feel of the area when complete and will hopefully provide another large public open space for the citizens of the city and students alike.

Bowstring Bridge's fate sealed.

2009-08-10T05:02:00.000-07:00

It seems that Bowstring Bridge, a local landmark, will be demolished some time in September this year to make way for a new sports centre for De Montfort university. There has been much opposition to the move, especially with 'secret talks' by the council and others to decide the future of the historic bridge. Despite the decision opposition to the demolition will continue. Lets' hope that if the new sports centre is built it will be of good quality and a landmark building and not just a bland eyesore and that the demolition on of the bridge was not in vain.

To follow this story see the Leicester Mercury website.

City centre 'action plan'

2009-07-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

The recently appointed Director of Leicester city centre, Sarah Harrison, is set to draw up a 'action plan' to deal with issues such as empty shops in the city centre. About time that the city centre has some kind of plan for its future and here's wishing good luck to the director in achieving this aim.

For more information on this see the Leicester Mercury article.

City centre director named

2009-07-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

The new city centre director will be Sarah Harrison, as was reported on the Leicester City Council website. Let's hope she will bring many positive changes to the city centre and help to make it an even more attractive place for locals and visitors alike, especially in these hard times.

Gandhi statue unveiled

2009-06-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

The UK's 2nd Mahatma Gandhi statue has been unveiled in the city after fundraising by a local group. It's on the entrance to the 'Golden Mile' on Belgrave Road, with it's junction with Belgrave flyover. For more information read the following Leicester Mercury article.

Kiran Parmar has kindly sent a Flickr link to his photos of the unveiling cermony of the statue, which can be seen here. Thanks to Kiran for the link.

High Street 'At Risk'

2009-06-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

Leicester's High Street literally needs to be saved. It was announced in the local media on 23rd June, that Leicester's High Street conservation area is on English Heritage's 'At Risk' register (see the Leicester Mercury article ).

Although the street itself has had a make-over, the buildings thermselves have more or less remained the same. Although it's an individual owners responsibilty to maintain their respective buildings; there should be a scheme whereby rules and guidelines should be set to help maintain the street scene and help retain the character of the buildings. Currently modern shops signs and shop fronts, seen in almost very other city, have spoilt the character of the street and all this despite the street being within a conservation area.

A vision is needed, not just for High Street, but other areas as well (Churchgate conservation area is also 'at risk'), to make the city centre an even more attractive place to spend time in.

Progress

2009-06-22T02:33:00.000-07:00

There are at least 2 major projects which are still being completed in these hard times and seem to be progressing quite well:

De Montfort University's new Business and Law School:

The building seems to be physically complete and now the outside is being transformed. The new piazza seems to be coming along as new paving has started to go down on the south side of the Magazine Gateway.

Leicester Tiger's Rugby Club new stand:

The stand, part of a new overhaul of the existing stadium and its surroundings, has been constructed in relatively a short time and is a major new landmark for the city and will house 10,000 seats.

Gone flat

2009-06-18T12:30:00.001-07:00

Leicester's regeneration and well regeneration in general seems to have gone flat. No doubt the recession has played a major part. The worry is that schemes may become compromised and will end up as average and boring buildings which will blight the city in years to come.

Perhaps it's better to wait a little longer and produce buildings which will enhance Leicester, rather than cause embaressment for the city (well let's not go there!).

Support Leicester as a World Cup venue!

2009-06-15T13:52:00.000-07:00

Please support Leicester as a venue for the 2018 Football World Cup (if England win the bid), which will no doubt bring a huge amount of investment into the city for its regeneration. For more information and to give your support, visit the England 2018 bid website.

Prospect Leicestershire website

2009-06-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

The website for the much awaited combined city and county development company 'Prospect Leicestershire' is now up and running:

Prospect Leicestershire website

Leicester World Cup.

2009-05-19T02:40:00.000-07:00

Plans were announced this week that England were to bid to host the Football World cup in either 2018 or 2022 this week. Leicester's Walkers Stadium has been named as one of the possible match venues. See the Leicester Mercury article for more information.

Could this mean further investment in the city in terms of transport or more quality hotel accommodation? Hopefully this will be the case whether the city is selected or not as a venue, as at the moment the city struggles with normal traffic congestion and a lack of quality hotel accommodation.

Has the new Phoenix risen?

2009-04-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

As the new 'Phoenix Square' development is getting ever more nearer to being completed, its impressive scale is somewhat overshadowed by the blocky appearance of the building. There seems to be aspects of the 'student accommodation' syndrome about it, with its square windows and mixture of brick and other materials. No doubt, however, there is much more work needed to be done to the exterior of the building to make it look like its artist's impressions.

However having said that what the new centre will offer will no doubt improve the provision of arts facilities in the city and will hopefully increase Leicester's standing in the arts culture of the UK.

Hopefully the building will become a landmark both in appearance and in what it offers.

Welcome to 'Prospect Leicestershire'!

2009-04-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

The all new development company for Leicester and Leicestershire is to be known as 'Prospect Leicestershire' as was unveiled at Leicester's new Curve Theatre on Wednesday 8th April 2009. It will be an made up of current bodies, such as Leicester Regeneration Comany and will be set up to benefit the city and county's economy. See the Leicester Mercury for more information.

Holes and car parks.

2009-03-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

The city centre seems to be littered with gaping holes that have suddenly become car parks; Lower Hill Street, Charles Street, Mill Lane, Belgrave Gate for example have sites ripe for redevelopment. With all the economic problems it's not surprising that the actual developments haven't started.

Hopefully building work will continue when the economic crisis has settled and not turn into permanent car parks. Also hopefully building design will not be compromised to leave Leicester with more average looking buildings. More of 'The Curve' please - something with some imagination!

Bridge designers announced.

2009-02-26T11:30:00.000-08:00

It has been announced that Explorations Architecture of Paris will design the proposed new bridge over the River Soar. The landmark bridge will be key to connecting the new Science Park with the Space Centre.

For more information and images see the Architects's Journal website.

City centre director post - Interested?

2009-02-24T03:35:00.000-08:00

Looks like Leicester will finally get its own 'city centre director' and city centre management board to boost the city's retail standing. The post is to be advertised across the UK and the organisation will start sometime this year. Good news on the retail front for the city and let's hope the city centre, outside of Highcross, gets a much needed boost.

See the Leicester Mercury Business News article.

Digital Media Centre officially named.

2009-02-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

The Digital Media Centre (named so until now) is to be called 'Phoenix Square' in honour of its predecessor Phoenix Arts on Newarke Street. The new centre on Morledge Street/Burton Street will include 3 arts cinemas, exhibition space and apartments. For more information see the Leicester Mercury article.

Transport update

2009-02-08T09:17:00.000-08:00

This weekend it has been announced that the city council is to apply for £67 million from the government for a new city bus station on land on Charles Street/Humberstone Gate (see the article on the BBC Leicester website) and work on the new park and ride 'hub' on St Nicholas Circle (drop off point for buses basically) should start in April (see the article on the BBC Leicester website).

Although a new bus station sounds like good news, I think why fix a situation if it 's not broke, in other words the current bus station doesn't seem to have many problems at present so why replace it; especially after its recent renovation. However the 'new' station is not expected to open until 2014!

Money would be better spent on an arena. Oh well we can but dream!

And by the way it's our train station that needs investment, even with plans for it, nothing seems to be happening fast. The main problem of an underwhelming first glimpse of the city is from the train station is still present. Even when and if the pedestrian subway is filled in, Granby Street with its vacant units and less than attractive modern buildings will still be there.

DMU's Business building.

2009-01-10T13:04:00.000-08:00

De Montfort University's new Business building is now well and truly visible as can be seen from the photo on this post.

The new piazza will be in front of building in this view and will add some much needed greenery to a mostly concrete dominated area.

Leicester Tiger's new plans.

2009-01-08T07:45:00.000-08:00

The Leicester Tigers Rugby Club have unveiled exciting plans for a £100 million mixed use development on the old Granby Halls site; which is next door to their stadium. The plans include facilities for the University of Leicester and Leicester's hospitals, as well as a luxury hotel, offices and student accommodation.

These plans supplement the current and approved £60 million redevelopment of the Tiger's stadium.

Hopefully the new plans will gain approval and we shall finally see this corner of the city get a facelift.

See the Leicester Mercury website for more information.

New footbridge competition

2008-12-17T15:25:00.000-08:00

After plans were announced for a major new footbridge design competition earlier this year, a shortlist of six designers has been compiled for the scheme which will cost a staggering £1.5 million and will be located near to the developing new Science Park to the north of the city centre. Architects/designers from around the world showed an interest in the commission.

The short list is:

Allies and Morrison with Price and Myers

Explorations Architecture, Paris with Buro Happold

Knight Architects with Gifford Bridge Designers

McDowell & Benedetti with Arup

Moxon Architects with Arup

Ramboll Whitbybird

A final scheme will be chosen in February 2009.

For more information see the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) website.

Queen visits Leicester.

2008-12-04T10:50:00.000-08:00

Queen Elizabeth II visited Leicester today to officially open the Curve Theatre and to the see the recently refurbished University of Leicester Library.

What better advertisement could be asked for 2 of Leicester's most modern buildings.

For more on the visit see the Leicester Mercury article.

University of Leicester latest plans.

2008-11-20T13:56:00.000-08:00

The University of Leicester has announced its latest plans for the redevelopment of the main campus. Proposals involve the investment of a staggering £1 billion over 20 years and would involve the demolition of certain buildings, whilst others would be refurbished or redeveloped.

In 2002 a 30 year master plan was announced for an investment of £300 million over 30 years.

The university has been growing from strength to strength, where it has risen dramatically in both the UK and world university rankings. These developments will no doubt increase the popularity and profile of the institution.

For more visit the University of Leicester website

Curve Theatre finally opens.

2008-11-15T13:56:00.000-08:00

The curtain has finally been raised on the £61 million Curve Theatre this week, with a special inaugural show 'Lift Off' and public open days. With this Leicester has gained much attention from the national media, which can finally put the city firmly on the British cultural map.

Haymarket Theatre new lease of life?

2008-10-29T03:36:00.000-07:00

Plans have been drawn up to turn the former Haymarket Theatre on Belgrave Gate into a youth centre for young people (13 - 19 year olds), with various facilities. The scheme rests bid for £5 million worth of funding .

This is a much needed facility, however the location is not ideal - slap bang in the centre of the city centre. Again the council and others have missed another huge opportunity to regenerate this part of the city centre; which to be honest, seems to be going down hill every time one goes past it (including the whole stretch of road). I wonder what the traders will think of the plans, who already believe that their road is a forgotten part of the city in plans to regenerate the centre of Leicester.

The article can be read on the Leicester Mercury website.

What next?

2008-09-16T03:49:00.000-07:00

There's a good feeling around Leicester at the moment with the opening of Highcross. However we would not want this to be short lived. It is perhaps now time for the powers that be to invest or encourage others to invest in livening and tidying up the rest of the city centre from the shop fronts upwards. High Street is a good example with many of the shops and grand buildings looking tired; most notably the Coronation Building. Let's have this feel good factor and fresh look throughout the city centre.

For places such as Belgrave Gate and Humberstone Gate to be modernised and look good over night is obviously impossible; however some impetus needs to be given to these increasingly forgotten and run-down streets.

Highcross Leicester opening ceremony videos

2008-09-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

Video 1:

Video 2:

Highcross Leicester now open for business!

2008-09-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

Highcross Leicester has finally opened with thousands of people flocking to the city centre today. This post shows just a few photos from the day.

Here's hoping that some of the investment in Highcross will rub off onto other parts of the city centre and help attract more upmarket names to places such as The Lanes and Market Street areas as well.

Thanks.

2008-09-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks for everyone who voted in the poll for the St John's Business Centre sports complex make it the most popular poll so far with 42 participants.

Not long left now!

2008-09-01T03:52:00.000-07:00

With only a few days left with the opening of Highcross Leicester; there's a new found feeling of euphoria across the city and that Leicester is actually going places.

The great thing is that this is the just the beginning of things to come.

Thursday September 4th, the opening day, will be a 'all day' affair with entertainment from the opening speeches at 9.45am to the end of the celebrations at around 9.30pm.

Exciting times ahead!

Latest development photos

2008-08-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

Colton Square Grade A Office development

Highcross Leicester new John Lewis Department store and Cinema de Lux.
Below: The new Curve theatre.

Leicester to get a city centre sports complex at last!

2008-08-19T03:42:00.000-07:00

Plans for mixed use development worth £200 million have been announced for the former Corah Works site on Burleys Way. Named the St John's Business Centre, it will include shops, offices, a 17 storey hotel and above all a new sports complex which could house a swimming pool amongst other things. This is a sorely needed facility in the city centre, especially after the demise of the nearby St Margaret's Bath's nearly 10 years ago.

See the associated Leicester Mercury article.

Silver Arcade to re-open again - hopefully.

2008-08-11T03:33:00.000-07:00

Plans by the current Silver Arcade owners have been released in the local press today, to transform the Victorian Gem into a £3 million 'boutique' destination. The speciality of the place will be for food, with a restaurant at the top. A Public consultation will take place before a planning application is submitted to the council.

See the Leicester Mercury link to the story.

Great news for the building and the Lanes area. Hopefully this plan will bring shoppers back to the historic core of the city centre.

New 'Leicestershire Matters' website.

2008-07-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

A new website called 'Leicestershire Matters' has been launched in order for local issues to be discussed and to be raised. You can create a profile on there and let others know your opinions and concerns for the city and county:

Click here for the 'Leicestershire Matters' website

There is also a link to the website in the 'Essential Links' to the left of the blog.

More High Speed Rail plans!

2008-07-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

Its seems that the people at Heathrow are counteracting plans recently been drawn up for a high speed rail link from Leicester (and elsewhere) to the capital. These plans include the construction of a single line running from Heathrow to Scotland. The great news is that the first phase will be built from the airport to Leicester.

See the Leicester Mercury newspaper article for more information.

Juliette Binoche to star in Leicester!

2008-07-08T02:38:00.001-07:00

Leicester has achieved another major coup in attracting a new production starring actress Juliette Binoche (star of the film Chocolat)to the new Curve theatre in February 2009. After going to the likes of Tokyo, Paris and London, Leicester will be the only place in the UK outside of the capital to show the production. Already the attraction of Curve can be seen and one of its main aims is being achieved - to attract major West End and other shows to the city before other areas of the country.

See this Leicester Mecury article for more information.

Possible new high speed rail link between Leicester and London.

2008-07-08T02:18:00.000-07:00

The local press has announced Network Rail's plans to create a High Speed rail link between Leicester and London, achieving 186mph speeds and cutting travel time to just 35 minutes between Leicester and the capital (currently it takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes). Trains will be similar to those seen on European High Speed networks.

This is great news for Leicester, as it recognises the real potential of this up-and-coming city. Earlier this year it was announced that rail travel time to London would be cut by 15 minutes by upgrading tracks.

The plans for this continental style High Speed rail network could take up to 20 years to complete! No doubt Leicester will be one of the best cities in the country by then. : )

See the Leicester Mercury website for more on the plans.

Skyscrapercity.com - East Midlands Forum

2008-06-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

Just another reminder to any of you who are interested in Leicester's regeneration; that you can join the Skyscrapercity.com East Midlands discussion forum, which includes threads on various Leicester developments. The address for the main site is www.skyscrapercity.com or for the East Midlands forum please see the links to the left.

Latest Highcross photos

2008-06-02T04:58:00.000-07:00

Here are a few latest photos from the Highcross development, showing the new John Lewis store, Cinema de Lux and car park:

Brief Update.

2008-05-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

There seems to be a dearth in construction activity in the city centre at the moment. Schemes are either on their final stages, meant to be 'starting' or are in the planning. The Ian Simpson Westbridge Towers are meant to be 'starting' soon as is the nearby Blackfriars residential scheme. Various other schemes, including De Montfort University's new Business building have started, as have the initial stages of the new Digital Media Centre in the Cultural Quarter. But no new cranes have risen over Leicester's skyline as yet.

The first half of this year seems to have been slow in showing the physical aspect of new schemes, hopefully the other half of 2008 will once again bring the city centre of Leicester to be full of cranes once more.

Highross is all but complete and has attracted the first Spanish Tapas restaurant in the UK - Canas y Tapas. The new 'Curve' theatre has also announced its Christmas show - 'Simply Cinderella', which has especially been produced for The Curve.

Curve opening date

2008-04-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

It has been announced in the local press that Leicester's new 'Curve' theatre shall open in November this year; months after it was due to open.

Better late than never, afterall such an important scheme cannot be rushed.

More store announcements

2008-04-07T05:31:00.000-07:00

Four more units have been let at Highcross, it has been announced in the local press.

They are Henleys, Ghost, G-Star, Lacoste and French skincare company L'Occitane. Great news for the city and shows the new found confidence in Leicester's city centre. See the Leicester Mercury website for more information.

Highcross opening date

2008-03-27T15:09:00.001-07:00

The Highcross opening date is scheduled for Septemebr 4th this year. With numerous units still left to be filled, let's hope more quality names are announced for the centre.

New Poll

2008-02-10T07:21:00.000-08:00

This month's poll is: If a major conference centre were to be built in Leicester, where would you prefer it to be built? A choice of four sites is given and there can be multiple choices.

This is one aspect which Leicester is sorely missing out on and would help boost the city's profile as a serious place to do business in. Let's hope that one day someone see's this opportunity and develops a conference centre in the city.

New name announced for Leicester's new Performing Arts Centre

2008-01-28T04:25:00.000-08:00

It has been announced today that the Performing Arts Centre will now be called CURVE. A simple, yet effective name that will surely stick in people's minds - hopefully for all the right reasons!

The website address is: www.curveonline.co.uk, though it is yet to be fully operational.

Latest Highcross Leicester photos

2008-01-24T12:41:00.000-08:00

Some photos of the Highcross Leicester development (January 2008):

The new Cinema de Lux (now handed over to the company). Photo by blog author.

The new John Lewis store taking shape. Photo by blog author.

Causeway Lane entrance and new Next store. Photo by blog author.

New Poll: Transport Solutions for Leicester.

2008-01-06T08:55:00.000-08:00

There's a new poll now added to this blog, which asks which is the best solution(s) to ease traffic congestion in Leicester. You can have multiple answers this time and the poll is running till the end of this month.

Round-up of developments expected to start in 2008

2007-12-30T13:47:00.000-08:00

Riverside:

Construction is expected to start on the smaller Westbridge Towers and Cirrus Property's nearby Blackfriars scheme should also begin. The nearby 'Pump House' development is likely to start as well.

Elsewhere, plans are afoot for a major residential scheme on Mill Lane in association with De Montfort University. Abbey Meadows will also begin to see more actvity with various projects centred around the area.

City Centre:

The Highcross development should be well into its advanced stages with a suggested time of Autumn 2008 for the opening. Similarly the Performing Arts Centre (PAC) should be opening around the same time. A name for the exciting new venue will be announced some time in early 2008.

Arond the business quarter: Internatonal House on Granby Street should hopefully start and also the development of offices/restaurant on Charles Street/Church Street corner may also begin. Colton Square will be have completed its second and final phase, in turn attracting companies to move.

The nearby St Georges Tower development will also be complete; as for the occupiers there is only one for sure and the proposed casino was rejected by Leicester Magistrate's Court.

There are plans for various mid-sized towers around the city centre:
-a 15 storey proposal for a mixed use tower on Lee Street
-14 storey hotel proposed for Yeoman Street
-14 storey student accommodation on Jarrom Street/Eastern Boulevard
-10 storey apartments scheme is penned for Wharf Street South, as is another sheme
-the 10 storey GS Picture House on Belgrave Gate will hopefully start, as the new link road part of the scheme will be essential for the Highcross development

There are many schemes not mentioned here; however 2008 will be another very busy and important year for Leicester's regeneration.

Happy New Year to all!

Latest Highcross Photos.

2007-12-16T09:15:00.000-08:00

The new John Lewis Store and Cinema de Lux (above) and new car park (below). Photos by blog author.

The Highcross development is now shaping up nicely and the new John Lewis Department store, the Cinema de Lux and new car park are all but complete. As with the new Performing Arts Centre, these buildings will no doubt place Leicester on the map of striking architecture.

Leicester - boring and bland, I don't think so!

East Midlands Forum (SkyscraperCity.com)

2007-12-15T11:20:00.000-08:00

Just to remind you all to join the SkyscraperCity.com Forum; where you can get the chance to discuss and air your views about developments in Leicester (on the East Midlands subforum). There's a link to the site in the 'Essential Links' in this blog.

Brief Regeneration Update

2007-11-27T02:48:00.000-08:00

Things seem to have slowed down at the moment in terms of new projects starting in Leicester. That's not surprising, since it's almost the end of the year and many schemes are schedules to start in early 2008.

Highcross seesm to be going very well and it is possible to see the magnificent new John Lewis store, with its glass casing and the New Cinema De Lux can now be seen in all its metallic glory. These will no doubt be great crowd pullers.

The massive new Highcross car park opposite on Vaughan way is also taking shape, with its 'mesh' casing now being fitted. This, the John Lewis store and cinema will truley become a trio of great buildings.

Colton Square is going well too, with phase 2 now well under way. The former Charles Street Polices Station is slowly being trasformed into quality office space and is getting a well deserved make-over.

Across the way, the controversial St George's Tower development is also nearing completion. The larger and seperate office/leisure part look good. However, the tower hotel/apartment part is up for debate. - not everyone's cup of tea!

The Westbridge Ian Simspon Towers can still only be imagined, as work on the site seems to consist of archaeological investigations and the digging of piles. Hopefully, the smaller towers at least, should begin as scheduled in early 2008.

The site of the former ABC Cinema (Belgrave Gate), is now a temporary ar park. The mixed use scheme of retail, apartments a hotel and casino to be built on the site is also scheduled to start soon.

Work on the nearby the former Crown House building (Lower Hill Street), is also finally gaining momentum, after gaining approval for a 9 storey extension a few years back.

There's alot more activity expected within the city within the next 6 months. So watch this space for more updates.

New Leicester Arena website

2007-11-13T13:11:00.000-08:00

A new Leicester Arena website has been launched to help gather support for Leicester to get its own arena. There is also a link to a petition to gather signatures in support of an arena for the city.

There is also a link to the website in this blog's 'Essential Links' section.

Major waterside projects to get green light.

2007-11-10T10:41:00.000-08:00

Two major mixed use schemes could get the green light. Both sites are situated on Abbey Meadows towards the north of the city centre. The area will be transormed into residential and office units and existing historic buildings will become focal points, such as 'The Water Tower', belonging to one of the many Victorian factories there.

More names announced for Highcross.

2007-10-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

Fashion retailers Cruise and Hugo Boss are to open stores in Highcross once it's complete. The Hugo Boss store will be one of they're largest stores. Apple is also to open a store in the complex.

New names are being announced more often than before, showing the increasing popularity and confidence in the new centre. Let's hope that this rubs off into the existing Shires and the rest of the city centre too.

New Poll

2007-10-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

Please feel free to participate in the new poll about what should happen to the market place in the future. There's plenty of time to vote till the end of November.

More Highcross signings.

2007-10-02T15:16:00.000-07:00

Two further major fashion retailers have signed up to Highcross - Hobbs and All Saints. Furthermore Carluccio's will also be opening a restaurant in the development. Let's hope that there are even more exciting names to come!

New John Lewis store latest (Highcross Leicester)

2007-09-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

These are photos showing what the whole of the new Leicester John Lewis store will look like. The side facing Causeway Lane is shown (photos by the blog author).

Highcross Leicester fire

2007-09-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

A fire started today on part of the roof on the new Highcross Leicester development. It is thought that some polystyrene caught fire. The fire was quickly controlled and looked worse than it actually was.

Thanks for voting in the first poll

2007-09-01T12:02:00.001-07:00

Thanks to all who took part in this blog's first poll about how well the great city of Leicester is promoted. Not surprisingly, a huge 51% thought Leicester was poorly or not promoted at all, 44% thought the city was promoted, but more could be done and 3% of votes thought the city was promoted well.

Perhaps the tourism powers that be could take note of this poll and help advertise better this up and coming city of the UK. Although this was only a very small snapshot of views, it may represent a wider percieved view of the city.

Towers set to start soon

2007-08-23T13:04:00.000-07:00

The Westbridge Tower scheme (designed by the famous Ian Simpson Architects), will begin in the new year it was announced in the Leicester local press today. Currently archaeological excavations are being carried out on the site, which was part of Roman Leicester. The scheme will eventually take approximately 3 years to complete.

The three towers will be 22, 26 and 39 storeys in height.

Waterside masterplanners announced

2007-08-16T10:56:00.000-07:00

URBED (Urbansim Environment Design), have been chosen as the masterplanners to develop an environmentally friendly scheme on 10 acres of Leicester's waterside, according to the local press. They will submit plans to the council in the New Year and if successful will begin work in 2010.

New eateries announced for Highcross Leicester

2007-08-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

As well as Wagamama, two new names are now signed up to Leicester's increasingly popular Highcross Leicester scheme; the two famous names are Yo! Sushi and The Handmade Burger Co. There's no doubt these new signings will boost Leicester's reputation as a place to dine out.

Performing Arts Centre to get its own square.

2007-08-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

The Performing Arts Centre will have its own square outside to match it in quality. The space is to be used for cultural and arts activities and will reflect materials used in other newly pedestrianised parts of Leicester.

Colton Square (phase 1)

2007-07-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

This is Colton Square, phase 1, as it is at the moment (from Church Street)-with the maroon apartment building and the actual office building to the right:

Photo by rs_06

Blackfriars scheme to start soon.

2007-07-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

The scheme for 600 apartments in the Blackfriars area of Leicester city centre is to start soon. The scheme dubbed as Leicester's own 'Convent Garden' will also contain a public square and other amenities to be built in the arches of the now defunct Great Central Railway viaduct. Archaeological excavations are currently being undertaken, with work to commence in the Autumn. The architects for the scheme are Flacq and the developers are Cirrus Properties.

This site will be an area of great activity in the coming months, as the just next door Wilson Bowden has permission to build 150 apartments and a restaurant and nearby is the site of the proposed three Simpson towers.

'Leicester Needs an Arena' - please sign the petition.

2007-07-26T12:54:00.000-07:00

A petition has been started in order to get the ball rolling for an arena to built in Leicester. This is one aspect which the city is sorely lacking at the moment. So if you want Leicester to have its own arena, then please sign the petition today - just click on the 'Leicester Regeneration Blog' link on the left and then click on the Leicester Arena link within that blog.