A food-lovers' paradise
A landmark Victorian shopping arcade, which has stood half-empty for almost a decade, is set to be turned into a food-lover's paradise.
Plans to transform Silver Arcade into a shopping centre with a restaurant and demonstration kitchen theatre have been given conditional approval by Leicester City Council planners.
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The Silver Arcade as it was
Owners Lukegate Ltd have been told work on the £3m revamp must start within the next three years and that the design should be in keeping with the historic features of the Grade II-listed building, which dates back to 1899.
Sarah Harrison, the city centre director, says the development could attract more businesses to the area.
She said: "This is excellent news for this important and historic building and an ideal setting for a restaurant.
"The opening of a restaurant will no doubt entice other operators to Silver Arcade."
At its height, Silver Arcade was home to 64 small independent retailers.
The four-storey arcade's upper floors closed in 2000, despite a campaign and a petition signed by almost 1,000 shoppers. There are now just a handful of businesses open on the ground floor.
Leicester Civic Society has been campaigning to get the whole of the arcade open again.
Chairman Stuart Bailey welcomed the announcement that planning permission had been granted.
He said: "This is the only four-floor Victorian shopping arcade in England and the upper floors are crucial to the whole thing.
"I think the restaurant idea is great. I'm very pleased because this has dragged on for years."
The Leicester Mercury was unable to get in touch with Lukegate Ltd. However, the firm previously told the Mercury that ideas for re-launching the arcade have included focusing on independent boutique shops, organic products and niche markets.
City centre councillor Patrick Kitterick, who is also the authority's regeneration spokesman, said: "It's one of my favourite buildings in Leicester and I'd love to see the upper floors open again.
"Far from causing competition, I think the restaurants at Highcross have made people think about that end of town more when it comes to eating."
Martin Traynor, managing director of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: "This development is well overdue and I believe that Silver Arcade can play an important part in attracting more visitors and shoppers to the city.
"It does offer a different retail experience, complementing what the Highcross offers."
19 Comments
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by Ponygirl, Leicestershire
Wednesday, September 23 2009, 2:26PM
“Well Darryl, how rude are you?
Its a shame the 'kindly' DMU doesn't teach basic manners - something you could wholly benefit from acquiring. Leicester people are neither stupid or uneducated - as you ironically demonstrated by mentioning the 'kindly' DMU - yes, Leicester actually has it own university. Whilst we are on the subject of stupidity Darryl, I see you sign yourself as being a Leicester resident........ hmmm pot, kettle etc.”
by John Stitch, Leicester Town
Wednesday, September 23 2009, 2:22PM
“How many restaurants are they talking about in there anyway ? My recollection of the place ( apart from being littered with bored goths ) was of lots of small units that were full to capacity if you had more than half a dozen people in them.
Also, restaurants rely on evening activity for their trade - I'm not so sure how that would work in there at night ?”
by Dodgite, Leicester
Wednesday, September 23 2009, 1:52PM
“Food lovers paradise?? Do we really need anymore restuarants? The city is littered with decent ones already. just look at the ones at the Highcross quarter? I for think we need something like a bowling alley so we don't have to make our way down to Meridian all the time.”
by Jim, Glenfield
Wednesday, September 23 2009, 1:42PM
“I am delighted that this wonderful building is getting a revamp. walk around every city centre and they are identical, similar designed shopping centres, same retail chains, nice but sterile and clinical. These types of projects are exactly what Leicester needs, along with the outdoor market this building makes our centre different, it helps create our own identity and maintain our cities history.”
by Simon, Pennbury
Wednesday, September 23 2009, 1:22PM
“Say "no" to the Eco Town”