Leicester city centre is set to benefit from a £4million package of improvements designed to make it more welcoming for residents, businesses and visitors.
The plans include better lighting and signage at key arrival points, measures to tackle antisocial behaviour, improvements to public spaces, support for vacant shops, investment in events infrastructure and upgrades in the Market Place and Lanes area.
Residents and visitors can expect cleaner streets, better-lit public spaces, improved areas around transport hubs and car parks, and more support for events and activities. The investment is also intended to boost confidence and pride in the city centre.
Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “We have made significant investment into the city centre in recent years, and this funding will allow us to do even more to make it an attractive and welcoming destination.
“It will boost the work that goes on every day to make it a place that residents can be proud of, and that visitors choose to return to time and again.”
Projects included in the programme are:
- £300,000 for city centre gateways – better lighting, signage and public spaces to improve first impressions around locations such as the railway station, bus station and car parks.
- £250,000 for tackling antisocial behaviour hotspots – including improved lighting, security measures and graffiti removal.
- £200,000 to improve vacant premises – helping bring empty shop units back into use and improve the appearance of shopping streets.
- £200,000 for festivals and events infrastructure – supporting more activity in city centre spaces throughout the year.
- £1.3million for the Market Place and the Lanes – improving buildings, shopfronts, lighting and public spaces, and providing additional market stalls.
- £1.75million for future Midland Street regeneration – supporting plans for future commercial development in the area.
The investment will come from the remaining balance of the Government’s Growing Places Fund, which was originally established to support projects that create jobs, unlock development and boost economic growth.
Leicester City Council now manages the fund following the closure of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP). The council says £10.2 million remains available in the fund, with £4million proposed for use by Leicestershire County Council, and £4m for city centre improvements.
A formal decision on the funding allocation is due to be taken by the City Mayor on 18 August.