22.01.20
Leicester City Council plans multi-million-pound redevelopment
Leicester City Council has unveiled plans for the innovative redevelopment of a former factory building on King Street, at a suspected cost in the region of £9m.
The proposed space, Pilot House, will be used to create office space and units for start-up companies and growing businesses.
The new business community is set to provide high quality workspaces for companies looking to relocate to the city, creating a hub and boosting the local economy and skills.
Pilot House currently consists of five separate but inter-connected building, with industrial features like parquet flooring and exposed brick and beams, which would be retained under new plans, although a new entrance to the courtyard has been suggested from King Street.
Leicester City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said:
“Pilot House offers huge potential to provide much-needed, high quality office space in a very attractive part of the city.
“The investment we have already made in this area has brought in hundreds of jobs thanks to the relocation of Mattioli Woods.
“By redeveloping Pilot House we will be able to bring in hundreds more, and to cement the reputation of this area and the city as a fantastic place to do business.
“We would also expect to make an excellent return on our investment which will generate rental income for many years to come from what is currently a vastly under-used property.”
The planning application has been submitted by the Council for the first stage of building redevelopment with subsequent submissions to be made over the next year.
If proposals are approved, external funding opportunities for the project will be sought, with the whole project estimated in the region of £9m, subject to a procurement exercise.
Subject to planning permission and funding being obtained, it is hoped that work will begin in the spring of 2021.
Photo: Leicester City Council