Is the City of Leicester a dump?

[RoboFox]

Bridge Street on a Saturday night makes Belvoir Street look like a perfect example of tranquility.

 

Yup. Just the biggest concentration of absolute, grade-A c**ts.

Admittedly a few of us went back for a few around there at Christmas for the first time in years... Was surprised to see it was pretty dead, but that's only because the bars had either been closed down, or the owners had burned them down to claim the insurance money.

 

Just Googled it, and 3rd worst road in the country for theft and robbery?! F**k!

 

http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/crime/northampton-s-bridge-street-third-worst-road-in-uk-for-theft-and-robbery-1-5940949

[Spudulike]

In at number 5 pop-pickers, not 'arf http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/property/11769047/The-best-places-to-live-in-Britain-for-you-and-your-family.html

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

In at number 5 pop-pickers, not 'arf http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/property/11769047/The-best-places-to-live-in-Britain-for-you-and-your-family.html

 

**** i miss Leeds

[Spudulike]

Leicester has always had an image problem. It really shouldn't have ... https://www.flickr.com/photos/25797459@N06/sets/72157622244802539/?fb_action_ids=10200880854326299&fb_action_types=flickr_photos%3Ashare&fb_ref=w&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=[470287026374497]&action_type_map=[%22flickr_photos%3Ashare%22]&action_ref_map=[%22w%22]&fb_collection_id=420614161366569&ref=profile

 

Very few places in England can match Leicester's history.

[midland_red]

Leicester has always had an image problem. It really shouldn't have ... https://www.flickr.com/photos/25797459@N06/sets/72157622244802539/?fb_action_ids=10200880854326299&fb_action_types=flickr_photos%3Ashare&fb_ref=w&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=[470287026374497]&action_type_map=[%22flickr_photos%3Ashare%22]&action_ref_map=[%22w%22]&fb_collection_id=420614161366569&ref=profile

 

Very few places in England can match Leicester's history.

 

This. Leicester people have always been a bit negative IMO

[Frank to be]

I think Leicester people are quite modest about the city. It's a crap city, but it's not as desperately abysmal as city folk will say. Modesty is an attractive attribute. Not like these idiots from places like Liverpool saying there's is the best city in the world when it's not even the best city in North West England and wouldn't even rank as a wildcard outsider in any sensible list of the world's best cities.

[Stadt]

Scouse he's talking about you

Edited 1 August 2015 by Wookie

[davieG]

ew Walk Centre: Councillors approve plans to replace old council HQ with shops, flats and offices

By Leicester Mercury  |  Posted: August 27, 2015

By Samantha Fisher

 

 

• SHAREPICTURE
•  
•  
•  
•  

Artists impression of the proposals for the site of the former New Walk council offices

 

 Comments (0)

Councillors have approved plans for a new multi-million pound complex of offices, flats and shops where Leicester City Council's offices previously stood.

At a planning and development control committee meeting in City Hall, Charles Street, on Wednesday night a number of people raised their concerns about the proposals.

However, every member of the committee present voted for the plans, expect one person who abstained.

Before the councillors voted, objections were made including concerns that the new buildings would block the view of the grade two listed building, the Cotton Mill, in King Street.

 

 

At the meeting Councillor Ross Willmott said overall he supported the development.

"It is better overall than what we has before. But the question I will ask the committee to discuss is, is it as good as it could be?

"The new development will obscure the view of the Cotton Mill from King Street.

"It obscures linearity. I think the materials are not the best that could be used.

"I would ask you to approve the office block, but reject the residential block."

Some people said there were already enough flats in the city.

Planning committee member Dr Chowdhury said: "Do we not have enough flats in the city?

"This is an important piece of land."

However, other committee members thought it was important the land was developed.

Councillor Malcolm Unsworth said: "It is the only plan we have on the table for this site.

"I quite sincerely think there has to be something built on this site in the near future.

"If we postpone there is no real guarantee anyone else will be forthcoming.

"Leicester is trying to regenerate - II think we should do something towards it."

In response to the objections raised in the meeting, council planning officer Steve Brown, said: "The important thing is we get the site developed."

He added that it was worth noting that when Historic England was consulted about the application, they did not raise the view of the Cotton Mill as a concern.

"The Cotton Mill would still remain, its architecture and history.

"We agree with the applicant that creating a well-used space in the day and evening is a positive thing."

Financial advice firm Mattioli Woods will occupy all of the 62,500 square feet of proposed offices.

Work is expected to start on site before the end of the year, with the development being completed and tenants in place towards the beginning of 2017.

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/New-Walk-Centre-Councillors-approve-plans-replace/story-27687566-detail/story.html#ixzz3k0NIYOxp 
Follow us: @Leicester_Merc on Twitter | leicestermercury on Facebook

[Darkon84]

That could actually be quite nice if they fulfil the design potential. Hopefully it might help encourage some of the surrounding areas to improve too.

[Voll Blau]

Would've made a lovely park/garden. Lack of open space in Leicester is what obscures views of the nice buildings that are actually there, hence why people think it looks shite compared to other cities.

[Captain...]

I walked to the game along the canal last Saturday, and it does have so much potential along there, there was a big park on a glorious day, but empty nobody using it, along the canal there is so much shit, and only when you get near the stadium you start seeing some development and life, such as the Soar Point. It could be a really nice walk.

 

I walked back through the city on Saturday, first time I'd been in there for a while, and I was looking at it after reading a few things on here, and really the area around the lanes and round Highcross looked so much better than it used, more open, inviting friendly, still lacking in people though, but I do think the city is moving in the right direction. When I think of Sheffield equivalent streets would be buzzing at that time on a Saturday. Do they do any promotions for those areas, try and attract more people, particularly students.

 

Good point by Voll about the lack of open spaces, and there are some real shitty areas that should be avoided, I guess it depends do you upgrade the shit areas to make them less shit, or focus on getting some areas to a really nice level.

[purpleronnie]

It's not bad, but i feel it was a missed opportunity for such a prime location, I like the gateway to new walk though.  But it's all a little bland and was a real chance for a landmark building.  But we tend to shy away from such things unfortunately.  A few more restaurants would have been nice too.

[hairy]

Leicestershire tops the charts!!!!!!....................................in device theft 

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/08/26/laptop_smartphone_theft_uk_stats/

[Rincewind]

Is this really Claudio? Can't tell with all the false accounts around.

 

Claudio Ranieri ‏@DonRanieri

I am just out for my morning stroll & breakfast in one of Leicester's most scenic spots - Saffron Lane #lcfc

 

Looking at some of his Tweets I doubt this Claudio is genuine. Which one of you Foxtalkers is it?

Edited 29 August 2015 by Rincewind

[davieG]

£3 million plans to improve 'dark and depressing' Leicester Market outlined by mayor Peter Soulsby

By danjmartin  |  Posted: September 17, 2015

 

Artist's impression of the proposed new look market roof

 

 Comments (0)

Plans for a £3 million revamp of Leicester's covered market have been unveiled.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has outlined the next stage of works intended to improve the 800 year-old market following the demolition of the old indoor traders hall and the construction of a replacement food pavilion.

Sir Peter has said attention will shift to improving the covered market area once a new square has been completed where the 1970s market hall stood.

The aim is for that to be done by Autumn next year.

•  

He has however said a proposed £2.3 million extension at the rear of the Corn Exchange, which would have housed a restaurant, is now likely to be ditched from the plans.

 

 

He said: "We have had some internal debate about it and have come to the view that spending so much money on the extension is not the priority given that there are other restaurants and bars in the area.

"That money can be invested in the rest of the scheme."

The rear of the Corn Exchange - now exposed - would still be treated and could potentially become a big screen for projecting images to an audience in the square.

The square may be used for events like the Christmas lights switch on, farmer's markets and antiques fairs.

The council was unable to say how much was spent developing the plans for the Corn Exchange extension which is now unlikely to be built.

Sir Peter said: "The roof of the market has changed over the years.

"It was put in place in the early part of the 20th Century.

"There was the notorious egg box roof - which was leaky - and which was replaced.

"There has not been any meaningful improvement for around 25 years.

"Alongside the new food hall the covered market does now look sad, tired and grubby.

"It is quite dark and depressing when the traders are not there."

Sir Peter said the roof structure was sound but it needed better lighting and could have transparent panels to open up views of the historic buildings around the market.

Sir Peter stressed there would be no trader rent increase to pay for the improvements.

He said: "The last thing we want to do is frighten them away with increased rents and disruption."

He did however suggest traders could be decanted into the new square while the roof work is done.

 

 

Some market traders were unimpressed with Sir Peter's plans.

Simon Reid, who has worked on his family's fruit and veg stall for 45 years, said: "Waste of money. We don't need a new roof - just clean it.

"We don't need a new square - we need parking. Use that space for 200 cars. That's a guaranteed income for the council of £500,000 a year and will be more useful than a new roof."

Andrew Chamberlin works on his family's pet stall.

He said: "The market is only as good as the traders.

"The disruption this will cause will put quality traders out of business."

Sir Peter said: "There will always be sceptics. Some were sceptical before we put up the new food hall. I don't hear much from them now."

A consultation is being held with traders on the proposals.

It will run until the end of the year.

 

*Under the plans the statue of the Duke of Rutland in front of the Corn Exchange could be relocated to Cheapside - where it previously stood - in order to create a "flexible space".

Cheapside already has an unused plinth following the relocation of the High Cross to Jubilee Square.

 

 

 

Duke on the move?

The new square could also be home to a proposed statue of Leicester suffrage campaigner Alice Hawkins.

The name of the square has not yet been determined but could be Exchange Square or Corn Exchange Square.

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/3-million-plans-improve-dark-depressing-Leicester/story-27818113-detail/story.html#ixzz3m0RxXQXD 

Follow us: @Leicester_Merc on Twitter | leicestermercury on Facebook

[purpleronnie]

£3 million plans to improve 'dark and depressing' Leicester Market outlined by mayor Peter Soulsby

By danjmartin  |  Posted: September 17, 2015

 

Artist's impression of the proposed new look market roof

 

 Comments (0)

Plans for a £3 million revamp of Leicester's covered market have been unveiled.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has outlined the next stage of works intended to improve the 800 year-old market following the demolition of the old indoor traders hall and the construction of a replacement food pavilion.

Sir Peter has said attention will shift to improving the covered market area once a new square has been completed where the 1970s market hall stood.

The aim is for that to be done by Autumn next year.

•  

He has however said a proposed £2.3 million extension at the rear of the Corn Exchange, which would have housed a restaurant, is now likely to be ditched from the plans.

 

 

He said: "We have had some internal debate about it and have come to the view that spending so much money on the extension is not the priority given that there are other restaurants and bars in the area.

"That money can be invested in the rest of the scheme."

The rear of the Corn Exchange - now exposed - would still be treated and could potentially become a big screen for projecting images to an audience in the square.

The square may be used for events like the Christmas lights switch on, farmer's markets and antiques fairs.

The council was unable to say how much was spent developing the plans for the Corn Exchange extension which is now unlikely to be built.

Sir Peter said: "The roof of the market has changed over the years.

"It was put in place in the early part of the 20th Century.

"There was the notorious egg box roof - which was leaky - and which was replaced.

"There has not been any meaningful improvement for around 25 years.

"Alongside the new food hall the covered market does now look sad, tired and grubby.

"It is quite dark and depressing when the traders are not there."

Sir Peter said the roof structure was sound but it needed better lighting and could have transparent panels to open up views of the historic buildings around the market.

Sir Peter stressed there would be no trader rent increase to pay for the improvements.

He said: "The last thing we want to do is frighten them away with increased rents and disruption."

He did however suggest traders could be decanted into the new square while the roof work is done.

 

 

Some market traders were unimpressed with Sir Peter's plans.

Simon Reid, who has worked on his family's fruit and veg stall for 45 years, said: "Waste of money. We don't need a new roof - just clean it.

"We don't need a new square - we need parking. Use that space for 200 cars. That's a guaranteed income for the council of £500,000 a year and will be more useful than a new roof."

Andrew Chamberlin works on his family's pet stall.

He said: "The market is only as good as the traders.

"The disruption this will cause will put quality traders out of business."

Sir Peter said: "There will always be sceptics. Some were sceptical before we put up the new food hall. I don't hear much from them now."

A consultation is being held with traders on the proposals.

It will run until the end of the year.

 

*Under the plans the statue of the Duke of Rutland in front of the Corn Exchange could be relocated to Cheapside - where it previously stood - in order to create a "flexible space".

Cheapside already has an unused plinth following the relocation of the High Cross to Jubilee Square.

 

 

 

Duke on the move?

The new square could also be home to a proposed statue of Leicester suffrage campaigner Alice Hawkins.

The name of the square has not yet been determined but could be Exchange Square or Corn Exchange Square.

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/3-million-plans-improve-dark-depressing-Leicester/story-27818113-detail/story.html#ixzz3m0RxXQXD 

Follow us: @Leicester_Merc on Twitter | leicestermercury on Facebook

 

Such a missed opportunity.  A face lift which will only look midly better and will have to be done all over again in the near future.  The extension was it's only redeeming feature and that's been scrapped  .

[Miquel The Work Geordie]

That's completely pointless and I find myself mostly positive as to what Soulsby is doing. That cash could be so much better spent on Belgrave Gate which is ****ing third world

[Rincewind]

A lot of the stallholders have been lost since the have done away with the indoor sectiom. Even at the weekend yjere are a lot of spaces but then again it looks nicer for tourists.

[rico]

This Japanese Princess loved it 

 

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Japanese-princess-s-secret-year-Leicester/story-27824507-detail/story.html

[davieG]

Open-air ice rink could be installed in new Leicester public square

By danjmartin  |  Posted: September 21, 2015

 

Get your skates on? Somerset House

 

 Comments (2)

An open air ice rink could be installed in the new public square that will be developed where Leicester's indoor market stood.

The square, at the rear of the Corn Exchange, is set to be completed next Autumn, and it has been suggested it would be the perfect place to for a rink to draw people into the city centre.

• Poll: Do you want an open-air ice rink in Leicester? Vote in our poll which can be found to the right hand side of the screen.

Councillors say it could be like similar rinks at London's Somerset House or that outside the Rockefeller Centre in New York.

 

 

 

Skating at the Rockefeller Centre in New York

Former city council leader Ross Willmott suggested the idea in a recent meeting to discuss the wider redevelopment of the market area - the latest phase of which was unveiled last week.

He suggested the rink could either be temporary - installed in the winter - or permanent but able to be covered up to provide a dual purpose space.

Councillor Willmott, chairman of the authority's economic development scrutiny commission, said: "It would make a very good site for an ice rink.

"It would provide a tremendous focal point."

Coun Willmott, who said he had unsuccessfully tried to persuade the Bishop of Leicester to have a rink in the recently developed Cathedral Gardens, suggested the refrigeration equipment required could be buried under ground.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he agreed an ice rink would be a good attraction.

He said: "We have done it on a smaller scale before on Humberstone Gate.

"That would make good use of what will be a flexible space."

Coun Patrick Kitterick said the ice rink in Humberstone Gate had been too disconnected from the rest of the city centre by Charles Street.

He said the key thing about having a rink in the new square "would be to drag people out of the Highcross" and into the rest of the city centre.

He warned ice rinks were expensive to run but said they were good for marketing.

The square is already being suggested as the new venue for events like the Christmas lights switch on.

Council officials say the square would naturally slope from the Molly O'Grady pub end towards the back of the Corn Exchange providing a natural amphitheatre if films were to be projected on a screen at the back of the historic building.

The council is set to drop its original plan to build a £2.3 million restaurant extension on the back of the Corn Exchange because it is looking to prioritise the cash for developing the square and revamping the covered market roof.

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Open-air-ice-rink-proposal-new-public-square/story-27824036-detail/story.html#ixzz3mMSPTc4a 
Follow us: @Leicester_Merc on Twitter | leicestermercury on Facebook

[davieG]

University of Leicester announces plans for a multi-million pound space park

By fdryden  |  Posted: September 22, 2015

• 

  The university has a long history of space research

VIEW GALLERY

 

 Comments (0)

The University of Leicester has announced plans to create a multi-million pound National Space Park.

The venture - described as a "new anchor for a vital British industry" - will sit next to and work with the city's space centre.

It will offer undergraduate, postgraduate and apprenticeship training, and play a crucial role in attracting high-tech companies to Leicester.

Professor Paul Boyle, the university's vice chancellor, said although land had not yet been acquired for the scheme, Leicester City Council and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership were "on board". He said he hoped building would start within the next two years.

 

It is expected that funding would come from a mix of government cash, the Higher Education Funding Council and businesses.

Prof Boyle said: "We have good local support and would need to find the funding required, but we hope to bring all of our specialist skills from the space industry together and work collaboratively.

"The National Space Centre already runs apprenticeships and our plans could have a big impact on the local economy, driving industry here and creating jobs."

It is not yet known precisely how much the space park could cost, or how many jobs it could create.

The university has a long history of space research, and was heavily involved in the Beagle 2 probe discovery on the surface of Mars following its loss during landing in 2003.

The space park forms part of the university's plans for the future.

Other developments include the introduction from the next academic year of flexible degrees, which will give students the chance to study for a major and minor subject together, much like American universities.

Prof Boyle said such degrees would allow students greater flexibility and enable them to increase the breadth of their knowledge, making them more attractive to future employers.

Traditional degrees will still be available.

There are also plans to further enhance the university's campus by making it more accessible to pedestrians.

News of the university's plans for the future were announced alongside a new-look website and logo for the institution.

Prof Boyle said the university wanted to "take a strong lead in enhancing Leicester's future".

To that end, he said, the university will also be launching a campaign called Proud, which will focus on helping Leicester "meet its most significant environmental, social, community relations and educational challenges".

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Leicester-University-announces-plans-multi/story-27845670-detail/story.html#ixzz3mU3gbBN9 

Follow us: @Leicester_Merc on Twitter | leicestermercury on Facebook

[davieG]

Two big wheels planned for Leicester city centre

By PA_Warzynski  |  Posted: September 24, 2015

 

The Loughborough Wheel. Credit: David Cram

 

 Comments (0)

Plans to erect two Ferris wheels in the city centre have been submitted to Leicester City Council.

Two applications for big wheels – one in Belgrave Road and one in Jubilee Square - are being considered by officers, who will review the viability of both proposals and make a decision in the coming weeks.

A similar 'Loughborough Eye' was built in November, last year, in time for Christmas – but promises of a "huge Ferris wheel" only led to disappointment, when a smaller-than-hoped-for ride was erected in the town centre.

There is no indication about the size of the new 'Leicester Eyes'.

 

 

Loughborough fair wheel

The plans were submitted on Tuesday, and the city council is expected to make a more detailed announcement about the projects tomorrow.

It is not clear who put the proposals forward.

The planning application numbers are: 20151824 and 20151823

Leicester City Council's planning applications can be searched for here.

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/big-wheels-planned-Leicester-city-centre/story-27861099-detail/story.html#ixzz3meDKAE00 

Follow us: @Leicester_Merc on Twitter | leicestermercury on Facebook

[davieG]

Huge King Richard III signs to go up on Leicester's boundaries

By danjmartin  |  Posted: October 08, 2015

 

The Richard III sign

 

 Comments (0)

Richard III is set to feature on huge new signs welcoming visitors to Leicester.

The landmark statue of the Last Plantagenet monarch outside Leicester Cathedral is on proposed designs to mark the city boundary.

Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he wanted to replace the "scruffy little roundels" which have declared Leicester the first environment city signs for 15 years.

A number of possible designs have been created - the one showing Richard's statue and others featuring the Town Hall Square and the Clocktower.

 

However council officials believe complicated Department for Transport rules mean they will only be allowed to select one.

The new signs, measuring around 2.8 metres high by 1.7 metres wide, will be placed at the key entrances to the city including including Braunstone Way, London Road, Soar Valley Way and Loughborough Road.

Smaller signs could also be located at other routes into the city such as Stoughton Drive and Saffron Lane.

"All of the signs will carry the greeting: Welcome to Leicester, Historic City.

It will cost £12,000 to put them up and they could be in place by Christmas subject to Government approval.

Sir Peter said the new signs were part of a bigger drive to promote the city's 2,000 year history: "I don't mind saying I used to look enviously at the excellent signs Charnwood had on its boundaries.

"I thought if it is good enough for Loughborough it is good enough for Leicester.

"The designs are very similar to theirs.

"We are looking closely at what the Department of Transport will allow in terms of the designs but we have gone for familiar landmarks.

"Over the past couple of years a great deal of successful work has been done to raise awareness of Leicester's rich heritage and to make people feel proud of the city in which they live and work.

"The new signs are long overdue, and will ensure that people crossing our boundary are given a proper welcome to our city."

The environment city signs will be taken down as the new one are put up.

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Huge-King-Richard-III-signs-Leicester-s/story-27945952-detail/story.html#ixzz3nz8rkzTz 

Follow us: @Leicester_Merc on Twitter | leicestermercury on Facebook

[purpleronnie]

Fosse Park shopping centre set for major revamp

 

 

 

 

A massive refurbishment of Fosse Park North aims to make it more pleasant for shoppers.

Currently, shoppers walk between the shops along narrow footpaths under low canopies.

But after the revamp to the shopping centre, the buildings will have their fronts rebuilt with two-storey panels glass frontages and a higher canopy. The pedestrian areas will be wider with new trees.

The plans relate to the area including Marks & Spencer and the new Primark store and will go before Blaby District Council's planning committee on Thursday(15th).

A spokesperson for The Crown Estate, which owns Fosse Park, said: "The application forms part of our wider strategy to enhance Fosse Park for shoppers.

"We look forward to a decision from the council in due course."

The planning application has been recommended for approval by council planning officers.

News of the plan comes two months after the Crown Estate said it planned to buy the adjoining Everards Brewery site to create a new 12.5 acre shopping area.

It will be called Castle Acres Shopping Park and have 26 shops, restaurants and cafés, including a big Next store, creating about 1,100 full-time jobs in total.

Everards intends to build a new brewery on the other side of Soar Valley Way, next to the police headquarters.

The new Fosse Park North plan will include 52 new bike spaces, new planters, bollards, bins and benches and the removal of most of the parking spaces that are up against the footpath around the car park.

The total number of parking spaces will increase by one to 1,465.

They will include 44 disabled bays and 38 spaces for parents with small children.

The 85 trees in the car park will be removed and replaced with 121 new ones that will be planted with more soil and designed to last longer and grow better.

County councillor Jackie Dickinson, who is also on Enderby Parish Council, the Fosse Park North refurbishment was an "excellent idea".

She said: "It needs doing. It's been there a long time and with Primark going gung-ho with their frontage it's good to have the whole place updating.

"With this and the new Everards site Fosse Park will be the jewel in the crown of Blaby District."

 

[Wymsey]

They should sort out the traffic issue out first, can be a nightmare to get out of any time of the working day.