Is the City of Leicester a dump?

[Facecloth]

 You gotta love Wymesy. One he could blame a 600 hundred year old building for being near a main road and a newly built college.  

[Wymsey]

4 minutes ago, Facecloth said:

 You gotta love Wymesy. One he could blame a 600 hundred year old building for being near a main road and a newly built college.  

Nice to see you largely posting to try and get a negative reaction from another poster, yet again.. 

 

I think, and hope, some knew what I meant.

I was trying to state that, looking at it now, the surrounding buildings (modern university structures) and this poor historic building in the middle of them doesn't look right personally. Seems like a a poor mish-mash and hence ruined how the area looks a bit now.

 

Sorry about this, but even myself knew that it's one of the oldest buildings in the city. 

Should've worded the original comment better to try and state the above, I know.

 

Edited 27 May 2017 by Wymeswold fox

[Facecloth]

52 minutes ago, Wymeswold fox said:

Nice to see you largely posting to try and get a negative reaction from another poster, yet again.. 

 

I think, and hope, some knew what I meant.

I was trying to state that, looking at it now, the surrounding buildings (modern university structures) and this poor historic building in the middle of them doesn't look right personally. Seems like a a poor mish-mash and hence ruined how the area looks a bit now.

 

Sorry about this, but even myself knew that it's one of the oldest buildings in the city. 

Should've worded the original comment better to try and state the above, I know.

 

Yet again  All meant in good jest Wymesy.

 

The position of the Magazine has long been a topic of discussion and complaint in Leicester. Up until a few years ago it was actually in the middle of the road rather than to the side. It's a shame it's been treated the way it has and that's down to the planning in the city over the years. It's not a reason to dislike the landmark though, if anything it's a reason to be sad that it's ended up being swamped and half demolished. Part of me loves the magazine for the quirkyness of it's position, but another part of me is sad because it's symbol of how Leicester has treated it's history over the years. Far too much lost to shit developments. As you said it looks a mish mash round that area, but that's not because the magazine is there, it's because they built stuff round it.

Edited 27 May 2017 by Facecloth

[foxfanazer]

I work on London Road and confirm it is the absolute pits. 

[Babylon]

On 27/05/2017 at 07:37, davieG said:

It's  a shame they bulldozed the rest of it in the 60s then

 

 

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=the+magazine+leicester&client=ms-android-samsung&prmd=inmv&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjdx53quI_UAhXBCMAKHcARCZMQ_AUICSgB&biw=360&bih=560#imgrc=B3BnfynpgWTJgM:

 

https://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=https://i.ebayimg.com/thumbs/images/m/ma0wOFqWY2GAI1CdM7zoEzw/s-l225.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Leicestershire/53578/i.html?_fsrp=1&_trkparms=pageci%3Dd1e49cb7-483d-4e84-a03a-5aa5a70405b8%2Cparentrq%3De34598d91560abc12abd1c2dfffc644b%2Ciid%3D1%2Cobjectid%3D53578&_pgn=2&_skc=50&City%2F%20Region=Leicester&h=142&w=225&tbnid=hHDxfw_1SGwzlM&tbnh=113&tbnw=180&usg=__u3NaEa70r2xJLhJ3uMBQvHK1QYE=&docid=EhjGsXNbvnQYhM&itg=1

Had no idea that much of it still existed back then. What a disgrace.

Edited 28 May 2017 by Babylon

[Babylon]

On 30/03/2017 at 10:35, Parafox said:

In case anyone, like me, didn't know what this is about.

 

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/leicester-world-tree-unveiled-john-bercow/story-28861945-detail/story.html

Art by box ticking never really works. 

 

Mention multicultural - tick

Link it to lights - tick

Looks utter gubbins and out of place - tick

[davieG]

3 minutes ago, Babylon said:

Has no idea that much of it still existed back then. What a disgrace.

All done to build the ring road, can't even blame the DeMont as it was just a poly then.

 

[Foxxed]

On 25/05/2017 at 08:45, Simi said:

What's the plan for the new area round the back of the market? Would make a lovely little piazza type area if they wanted to go that way.

 

Think we should be pushing sport a lot more in the city centre considering the success of the city.

A PIAZZA in Leicester?? Piazza del Gary Lineker? Piazza del Joesph Merrick? Personally I would support a Gok Wan roundabout.

 

We already have the sports statue, the magnificent beast that it is.

[davieG]

Ambitious plans submitted for multi-million pound revamp of Leicester museum

Read more at http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/ambitious-plans-submitted-for-multi-million-pound-revamp-of-leicester-museum/story-30361613-detail/story.html#A8A1ROjS6kLS7HRO.99

 

 

By danjmartin  |  Posted: May 31, 2017

   

 

 

How the museum will look

 

 

Plans have been lodged for the £7 million transformation of Leicester's Jewry Wall museum into a major attraction based on the city's Roman heritage.

 

 

 

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby announced the proposals to overhaul the 1960s-built museum, which stands next to the eponymous ancient Roman remains of St Nicholas Circle.

Completed designs have been submitted to planners at Leicester City Council for approval.

 

Plans have been lodged for the £7 million transformation of Leicester's Jewry Wall museum

 

The museum will be merged with the space left vacant when the University of Leicester quit the old Vaughan College and which was subsequently purchased by the city council.

Aim to treble visitor numbers

The current, free-to-enter museum is visited by about 27,000 people annually, but the mayor hopes the new visitor centre will bring in 80,000 to 100,000 paying visitors.

The museum's focus would be the Jewry Wall itself, one of the UK's biggest remaining civilian Roman structures, along with the remains of a Roman bathhouse.

WATCH: Sir Peter Soulsby sets out the importance of the Jewry Wall Museum development.

The latest designs, revealed yesterday, show how the visitor centre could look and how it could tell the story of life in Ratae, the Roman name for Leicester.

There are proposals for outdoor projections on to the Jewry Wall, showing moving images of Roman Leicester, and a new entrance foyer.

Interactive features

Once inside, visitors will also be able to wander through a recreation of Leicester's Vine Street Villas, which occupied part of the Roman city near the site of the Highcross car park.

There will also be interactive displays on the Roman invasion and occupation of Leicester, which saw traders from across the Mediterranean and North Africa settle in the city.

 

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby announced the proposals to overhaul the 1960s-built museum

 

Sir Peter hopes the attraction will be open within "a couple of years".

However, the progress of the development will be subject to the funding being put in place.

The proposals also include continuing to use the grounds for free Friends of Jewry Wall special events and are set to improve pedestrian access to the ruins with a new staircase and lift.

No visitor parking is proposed and drivers will be directed to the nearby NCP car park.

Planning documents show there are presently four staff at the museum but that will more than double to 10, when the new attraction opens.

Read more at http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/ambitious-plans-submitted-for-multi-million-pound-revamp-of-leicester-museum/story-30361613-detail/story.html#A8A1ROjS6kLS7HRO.99

Edited 1 June 2017 by davieG

[davieG]

New trampoline park at former Leicester Mercury building set to create 50 jobs
Read more at http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/trampoline-park-at-former-leicester-mercury-hq-could-create-50-jobs/story-30364907-detail/story.html#JMZWexVfEGfdqvAR.99

 

Trampoline park at former Mercury building set to create 50 jobs

 

The landmark building, in St George's Way, is used as office space by a number of firms but there are plans to convert the former print rooms into a leisure facility.

The Mercury left the building in March and relocated its newsroom to city centre offices in New Walk.

The building's owners, the Harmsworth Pension Fund Trustees, part of the Daily Mail publishing group, have been granted permission by Leicester City Council for a series of changes including rearranging a service yard behind the premises to create a further 39 parking spaces.

 

 

Jump Arena

 

Jump Arena, which has trampoline parks in Luton and Leeds, has been lined up to run the new attraction

 

The trustees also want to turn the lawn in front of the building into a 30-space car park.

The council raised concerns about the loss of the green space within the St George's Conservation area but the applicants said they would landscape the patch to reduce the impact.

Planning documents show topiary cones could be used to help disguise the loss of the lawn.

 

The building, still called Mercury Place, will get a new entrance on the southern wing.

Jump Arena, which has trampoline parks in Luton and Leeds, has been lined up to run the new attraction at the 50-year-old former Mercury headquarters.

Between 40 and 50 jobs are expected to be created by the new business in the print hall, which was decommissioned eight years ago.

 

 

There are plans to convert the former print rooms into a leisure facility

 

A spokesman for the trustees said: "The proposed development would materially improve the viability of the city centre by re-using a vacant (part of) a building to provide new economic development."

The floors of the building formerly occupied by the Mercury are currently being revamped and will be taken by a new music company.

Two companies – PRS for Music and Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) – are setting up the joint venture.

The two organisations, which are headquartered in London, said the company would help them deal with the changing nature of music licensing.

A total of 200 people will be based in offices on two floors of the building, with some posts relocating from London. Most of the posts will be filled by new recruits in areas such as call handling, support staff and field staff who will visit festivals and venues.

Both businesses will keep the majority of their work in London, but affected staff have been consulted on the move.

Read more at http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/trampoline-park-at-former-leicester-mercury-hq-could-create-50-jobs/story-30364907-detail/story.html#JMZWexVfEGfdqvAR.99

[Parafox]

On ‎6‎/‎1‎/‎2017 at 09:03, davieG said:

New trampoline park at former Leicester Mercury building set to create 50 jobs
Read more at http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/trampoline-park-at-former-leicester-mercury-hq-could-create-50-jobs/story-30364907-detail/story.html#JMZWexVfEGfdqvAR.99

 

Trampoline park at former Mercury building set to create 50 jobs

 

The landmark building, in St George's Way, is used as office space by a number of firms but there are plans to convert the former print rooms into a leisure facility.

The Mercury left the building in March and relocated its newsroom to city centre offices in New Walk.

The building's owners, the Harmsworth Pension Fund Trustees, part of the Daily Mail publishing group, have been granted permission by Leicester City Council for a series of changes including rearranging a service yard behind the premises to create a further 39 parking spaces.

 

 

Jump Arena

 

Jump Arena, which has trampoline parks in Luton and Leeds, has been lined up to run the new attraction

 

The trustees also want to turn the lawn in front of the building into a 30-space car park.

The council raised concerns about the loss of the green space within the St George's Conservation area but the applicants said they would landscape the patch to reduce the impact.

Planning documents show topiary cones could be used to help disguise the loss of the lawn.

 

The building, still called Mercury Place, will get a new entrance on the southern wing.

Jump Arena, which has trampoline parks in Luton and Leeds, has been lined up to run the new attraction at the 50-year-old former Mercury headquarters.

Between 40 and 50 jobs are expected to be created by the new business in the print hall, which was decommissioned eight years ago.

 

 

There are plans to convert the former print rooms into a leisure facility

 

A spokesman for the trustees said: "The proposed development would materially improve the viability of the city centre by re-using a vacant (part of) a building to provide new economic development."

The floors of the building formerly occupied by the Mercury are currently being revamped and will be taken by a new music company.

Two companies – PRS for Music and Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) – are setting up the joint venture.

The two organisations, which are headquartered in London, said the company would help them deal with the changing nature of music licensing.

A total of 200 people will be based in offices on two floors of the building, with some posts relocating from London. Most of the posts will be filled by new recruits in areas such as call handling, support staff and field staff who will visit festivals and venues.

Both businesses will keep the majority of their work in London, but affected staff have been consulted on the move.

Read more at http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/trampoline-park-at-former-leicester-mercury-hq-could-create-50-jobs/story-30364907-detail/story.html#JMZWexVfEGfdqvAR.99

Neck injuries set to treble in 2 years. 

[davieG]

Boss of SportsDirect wants to transform Gallowtree Gate BHS store into 'Selfridges of sport'
Read more at http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/boss-of-sportsdirect-wants-to-transform-gallowtree-gate-bhs-store-into-selfridges-of-sport/story-30375044-detail/story.html#7JfP3pilv8cgRGwt.99

 

 

 

By Lauren_Mills  |  Posted: June 06, 2017

   

 

image: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276308/Article/images/30375044/16032874-large.jpg

Boss of SportsDirect wants to transform Gallowtree Gate BHS store into 'Selfridges of sport'

 

The boss of SportsDirect wants to transform Leicester's empty BHS store into the "Selfridges" of sports retail.

 

Mike Ashley is taking over the entire 100,000 sq ft building in Gallowtree Gate for a new retail concept bringing together Sports Direct alongside its fashion brands USC and Flannels.

USC sells branded men's and women's clothing, including Boss, Calvin Klein, DKNY and Lacoste.

The more upmarket Flannels sells luxury brands including Gucci, Vivienne Westwood, Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino.

Mr Ashley plans to use the basement for his gym business Everlast Fitness Clubs, with membership starting from as low as £5 a month.

Read more: Luxury fashion store Flannels is coming to Leicester - but what is it?

Liverpool Echo

image: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276308/binaries/F4341.jpg

What Flannels in Liverpool looks like

 

A spokesperson for Sports Direct said: "We're delighted to have acquired such a fantastic site, which will enable us to significantly enhance our offering to customers in Leicester."

Mr Ashley revealed his grand vision for Sports Direct in December, when he said: "We continue to elevate our sports retail proposition for our key third-party brand partners and customers, as we progress towards our medium to long- term goal of becoming the "Selfridges of sports retail".

His vision is to offer customers the biggest brands in sportswear, sports equipment and fashion – all under one roof.

Work started on the conversion of the Gallowtree Gate store about 10 days ago. It has been vacant since BHS collapsed last year with the loss of 47 jobs.

The building was marketed by Savills, which had previously suggested it could be subdivided into smaller shop units to make them more attractive in terms of rent and business rates.

Review: Is the food at new Knight and Garter pub fit for a king?

image: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276308/binaries/PI_001 11- 06.06.17 008.JPG

The building has been vacant since BHS's collapse last year

 

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "No one dreamt we would get anything as exciting as this.

"It will be a major draw for retail in that part of the city. People think about the pull of Highcross, but this will be a pull in the other direction.

"There were also a lot of rumours the store would be split, but the fact it is being taken over by a single operator who is doing something new is a major boost."

Sir Peter said that while a planning application may be needed for change of use for the gym, he could "not anticipate any difficulties at all".

City centre director Sarah Harrison was equally upbeat.

 

image: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276308/binaries/F231231.jpg

Flannels sells luxury brands including Gucci, Vivienne Westwood and Dolce & Gabbana

 

She said: "I am really pleased to see the former BHS being used for retail and am encouraged that there is confidence in Leicester for retail.

"It is in an important and strategic location and it is great to have something new and exciting at that end of the high street. It will be a strategic anchor for that end of town."

Helen Donnellan, the city council's inward investment director, said: "It is really positive to have the redevelopment of such a prominent site and shows that Leicester is doing really well for inward investment at the moment.

"The inclusion of a gym shows there is real demand for this as more professional companies move into the city."

Read more at http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/boss-of-sportsdirect-wants-to-transform-gallowtree-gate-bhs-store-into-selfridges-of-sport/story-30375044-detail/story.html#7JfP3pilv8cgRGwt.99

[boots60]

It's a shame. That would have made a decent Wetherspoons 

[Stadt]

Hopefully it sees more investment in Gallowtee gate across the board as it's a festering shit heap

[Rob1742]

Gallowtree Gate was a fabulous thriving shopping street in the 70's and 80's. Must have been 4/5 shoe shops that guaranteed the women would be shopping that street to death on a Saturday.

 

Its awful now, pop up shops nestled between the big stores, bringing the area down as landlords take what they can from whoever they can.

 

But this Sports Direct / Flannels store idea is great for the area. Whatever you think of him, he loves to retail and although I can't see Flannels and Sports Direct linking well, he is adding something to the area that is in desperate need for something. 

 

A massive boost for the area as there ain't many these days who can take that footprint and location and use it wisely. 

[davieG]

Car auction business unveils plans to create massive 'super centre' at Donington Park

By TomPegden  |  Posted: June 07, 2017

   

 

An independent car auction business has revealed plans to create a massive "super centre" at the Donington Park racing circuit.

 

Aston Barclay will initially develop six acres of land at the north Leicestershire circuit, opening at the end of 2017, which will grow to 18 acres in 2018.

It will also use the circuit's exhibition centre, known as the Engine Room, for auctions. Once open it will host twice-weekly sales.

The firm currently operates four sites in Chelmsford, in Essex, Leeds, in Yorkshire, Prees Heath, in Shropshire and Westbury, in Wiltshire.

According to the firm, the Donington Park site will be "one of the largest state-of-the-art auction sites in the country" with space for 350 to 400 cars.

 

 

The business said it will serve as Aston Barclay's central hub for all "remarketing operations", as well as being home to teams covering things such as account management.

It is not yet known how many jobs will be created from the venture but according to Aston Barclay's website it will be "recruiting the best people from across the industry".

The company, which was founded in 1984, announced it was coming to Donington after completing a management buyout this week.

Led by the firm's new chief executive Neil Hodson, the management buyout has been backed by London-based investment firm Rutland Partners.

The multi-million pound investment will allow the company to grow the business and help fund new auction centres, including the Donington Park site.

Read more: Leicester's favourite bars, pubs and clubs - chosen by you

Mr Hodson said: "Aston Barclay is a great business and Rutland Partners' multi-million pound investment across all areas will help further develop our service offering for both buyers and vendors.

"Our aim is to be at the forefront of shaping the remarketing industry, reinforcing our position as the leading independent provider in the market."

Oliver Jones, partner at Rutland Partners, said: "We are delighted to have completed our investment in Aston Barclay.

"The Donington site will deliver a step change in Aston Barclay's offering to the market, and we look forward to working with Neil Hodson and his team in delivering this next phase of growth."

Read more at http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/car-auction-business-unveils-plans-to-create-massive-super-centre-at-donington-park/story-30375855-detail/story.html#B5S5cmocDeVvXbI3.99

[Parafox]

3 hours ago, Rob1742 said:

Gallowtree Gate was a fabulous thriving shopping street in the 70's and 80's. Must have been 4/5 shoe shops that guaranteed the women would be shopping that street to death on a Saturday.

 

Its awful now, pop up shops nestled between the big stores, bringing the area down as landlords take what they can from whoever they can.

 

But this Sports Direct / Flannels store idea is great for the area. Whatever you think of him, he loves to retail and although I can't see Flannels and Sports Direct linking well, he is adding something to the area that is in desperate need for something. 

 

A massive boost for the area as there ain't many these days who can take that footprint and location and use it wisely. 

So I assume he's going to buy cheap far east clothing and have the brand labels stitched on like he does with his Sports Direct shit.

[Rob1742]

2 hours ago, Parafox said:

So I assume he's going to buy cheap far east clothing and have the brand labels stitched on like he does with his Sports Direct shit.

Not with Flannels he won't, but I see your point. Every time you go in Sports Direct he has purchased another dead brand and plasters it all over his tat from China. Lonsdale, Pierre Cardin etc etc. Sports Direct is an horrendous shopping experience. 

 

You can see how he has made his money though, he has the balls to do stuff others dare not do.

 

Normal businesses would not touch old dead brands, but he has ripped up the marketing rule book and done this. Now he is putting the tat of Sports Direct in the same building as £400 dsquared jeans. Most people would say it can't be done, but again he breaks the marketing rules and makes a fortune. 

 

But he will have to leave Flannels alone and he knows that. That market expects the best and he ain't stupid, he knows he can't mess with that else the customers would walk quickly. 

Edited 7 June 2017 by Rob1742

[Stadt]

yeah I was thinking there's not a great deal to gain by having a high end retailer opposite a behemoth sports direct 

[davieG]

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/watch-the-streets-of-leicester/story-30381255-detail/story.html

 

Watch The Streets of Leicester

[Countryfox]

Disgusting place ...   old drunken men wandering about throwing up on the pavement.     Should be ashamed at their age ...   

[davieG]

Christmas ice rink plans for new Leicester public square
Read more at http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/christmas-ice-rink-plans-for-new-leicester-public-square/story-30384884-detail/story.html#dfdjK3z6XILHWGJA.99

[davieG]

Jailed: Gang who smashed up 86 cars across Leicestershire in all-night crime spree
 

Four vandals who went on an all-night spree, smashing up 86 cars in 21 Leicestershire villages and towns have been locked up.

The rampage of damage, totalling more than £21,000, began in Thurmaston and ended in Melton.

Knives, a crowbar and a screwdriver were used to slash tyres and smash vehicle windows, Leicester Crown Court was told.

Tyron Cotterill (20) of Butterwick Drive, Beaumont Leys, Leicester, and three Melton men, Lewis Watts (22), of Nottingham Road, Adam Guy (23), of Stirling Road, and Kieran Painter (18), each received eight months custody after each admitted six counts representing all the damage, which happened over night on New Year's Day into the following morning.

 

Where and how many vehicles damaged:

• Thurmaston: 15
• Syston: 5
• Queniborough: 3
• East Goscote: 8
• Rearsby: 6
• Thrussington: 3
• Gaddesby: 5
• Hoby: 3
• Brooksby: 1
• Rotherby: 2
• Frisby: 1
• Grimston: 1
• Saxelbye: 1
• Asfordby Hill: 1
• Scalford: 6
• Wycombe: 2
• Long Clawson: 1
• Goadby Marwood: 3
• Waltham on the Wolds: 15
• Chadwell: 2
• Melton: 2

Read more at http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/jailed-gang-who-smashed-up-86-cars-across-leicestershire-in-all-night-crime-spree/story-30385520-detail/story.html#Q5xkZFKfcAmQb8U7.99

 

.....and in other news

 

Commuters left stranded after vandals break-in at Centrebus depot and put 13 buses out of action

 

On Sunday evening, there was a break-in at the Centrebus depot on the Troon Way Industrial Estate, in Leicester.

A group of youths broke into the building and caused damage to 60 separate windows on 13 buses and two other Centrebus vehicles.

When the services resumed yesterday morning, the company was unable to run all its routes and some passengers were left waiting at bus stops around the city.

Read more at http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/commuters-left-stranded-after-vandals-smash-up-buses/story-30385391-detail/story.html#xaDxeBHdDjeG0GIv.99

[rico]

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/christmas-ice-rink-plans-for-new-leicester-public-square/story-30384884-detail/story.html

[Stadt]

Gradually the eyesores are becoming less shit