In a meeting of minds, members of the Planning & Design Practice Heritage Team were invited by the Leicester Civic Society for a guided tour to view the results of two major regeneration projects that have taken place recently in the city.
The Greyfriars Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) was a regeneration programme within the heart of Leicester’s old town, delivered by Leicester City Council, University of Leicester, De Montfort University, Leicester Cathedral, Leicester College and Leicester Civic Society. With support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The National High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) was a £2million funded by Historic England as part of the national program to help support a four-year scheme that involved repairing and restoring some of the most important historic shopfronts and buildings in Granby Street and Church Gate. The HAZ was supported by a range of partners including De Montfort University, University of Leicester and Leicester Civic Society.
Leicester Civic Society was an active member of both projects, helping to make Greyfriars , Granby Street and Church Gate great places to live work and visit.
The aim is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the area by preserving, restoring and enhancing its architectural and cultural heritage fuelling economic, social and cultural recovery and give them a new lease of life for future generations to enjoy. Total program cost for THI was £3.1m, with contribution of £1.1m from the Heritage Fund, £0.5m from Leicester City Council, and £1.5m in private match funding; Overall private sector construction investment in the THI area over the duration of the project is estimated at over £10 million.
Both initiatives have provided great results including:
- 30 buildings restored thanks to grant funding;
- 5000 square metres of public realm improved;
- Vacant space brought back into use;
- Improved perception of the area;
- Restore shopfronts and other architectural features.
- Repair and improve historic buildings.
- Bring vacant spaces back in to use.
- Improve the public realm.
- Make the area, core facilities and businesses more accessible to all.
- Facilitate training and education opportunities.
- Celebrate the high streets and give local communities a key role in deciding what work they want to see happening.
Our tour guides were Burt McNeill and Steve Bowyer. members of Leicester Civic Society a group which was relaunched in 1971 and who campaign for higher standards of planning, architecture and regeneration in all aspects of Leicester’s civic realm, including the preservation, restoration and re-use of historic buildings.
We would like to thank the society for a thoroughly enlightening day.
Leicester street art – one the left within the Cultural Quarter and on the right George’s Tower, at 82 metres home to Europe’s tallest piece of street art.
Leicester Civic Society
Leicester Civic Society campaign for higher standards of planning, architecture and regeneration in all aspects of Leicester’s civic realm, including the preservation, restoration and re-use of historic buildings.
We believe quality regeneration and imaginative modern architecture can co-exist alongside the older fabric of the city. We will work to ensure that everyone values the historical and cultural qualities that make Leicester great, to drive improved development, planning and public spaces.
Planning & Design Practice
At PDP we recognise the importance of the built heritage in our towns, villages and rural areas.
We have an in-house team of consultants, conservation architects and architectural technicians who ensure that proposals are designed sympathetically to conserve and enhance historic buildings and sites.
We have worked on numerous schemes affecting Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. We have the expertise and specialist knowledge to achieve success with your project regardless of its size.
Thinking of buying a Listed Building or a home or business in a Conservation Area?
For a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your project or property, please don’t hesitate to email us at enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk or give us a call on 01332 347371.
