Leicester students to live the high life in a 'landmark' tower

[davieG]

You can't miss it if you're going to the match.

Merc

It is already dominating the city skyline and when finished it will be the third tallest building in Leicester.

The 22-storey student accommodation block, at the corner of Jarrom Street and Eastern Boulevard, in the West End, has nearly reached its final height of 219ft (66.6m).

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  The block of flats, called The Summit, will be Leicester’s third tallest building when it is complete in September – it is 219ft high
  

Developers Megaclose started work on the £13 million building, called The Summit, in August and the finishing touches to the exterior tower structure are set to be completed next month.

Director Paul Thrower said: "It will be a significant landmark building and will be a gateway site into the city.

"In no way did we set out to make it the tallest building in Leicester but it's nice to know it's up there. It's really just a small part of what we wanted to achieve."

More than 50 builders have been on site since work began. The building is due to open in September.

Mr Thrower said: "It's been an interesting one to design. A lot of thought has been put in from the architects.

"The shape of the tower can best be described as elliptical – it's not a circle and not quite an oval.

"Each apartment has one curved wall but from the inside the curve is not as strong as it appears from the outside."

The scheme includes a four-storey block of apartments next door.

Assistant city mayor Councillor Ted Cassidy said: "Leicester is beginning to develop an exciting cityscape with a great mix of building shapes and sizes, while we cherish our heritage and build for the future."

But not everyone is a fan. The development had received 40 objections from residents.

Stuart Bailey, chairman of Leicester Civic Society, said: "The building is just too big for the neighbourhood. It's surrounded by small terrace housing and it looks hideously out of place.

"Our other tall buildings in Leicester are relics from the 1960s and are all out of keeping with the fabric of the city, which is predominantly low rise. The sooner they are brought down the better."

How high? The city's tallest buidlings

1. Cardinal Telephone Exchange Tower – 276ft (84m), in Humberstone Gate, city centre

2. St George's Tower – 269ft (82m), in St George’s Way

3. The Summit student housing – 219ft (66.6m), in Eastern Boulevard/Jarrom Street, West End

4. Goscote House – 217ft (66m), Sparkenhoe Street, Highfields

5. Thames Tower – 190ft (58m), in Navigation Street, near Burleys Flyover

[somebum]

I have seen this place going up. Interesting design... it's for students and is shaped like a shithole.

[Rincewind]

you would have a good view of the KP from there. Your own executive box for free. Although you may need binoculars or a telescope.

[jonthefox]

Has anyone got a picture of what it looks like finished?.

Edit. Found this . http://www.thesummitleicester.com/

[sphericalfox]

Has anyone got a picture of what it looks like finished?.

Edit. Found this . http://www.thesummitleicester.com/

[Rincewind]

It says you wouldn't notice the curve of the wall inside. I bet you would when trying to lay a carpet. Unusual building anyway. Not sure the student grant would cover the cost though.

[Dan]

you would have a good view of the KP from there. Your own executive box for free. Although you may need binoculars or a telescope.

To be fair you'd only see owt if Stoke were playing.

Jesus Christ that looks like some Eastern European council estate.

[jonthefox]

I like it.

[Saxondale]

So that it explains what it is. Impressive looking building.

[Saxondale]

Oh, and £100 a week?

I know it's a few years since I was at university but that sounds like a fvckload for student accomodation.

[ajthefox]

Oh, and £100 a week?

I know it's a few years since I was at university but that sounds like a fvckload for student accomodation.

For brand new student halls thats about average.