A VICTORIAN “landmark” in a major UK city centre is set to be demolished to make way for 1,100 homes under new plans.
The historic building, which dates back to 1865, is to be torn down to make way for a new development, which will also include 18-storey blocks of luxury flats, bars, restaurants, and a hotel.
Under the plans, most of the Victorian-era Corah factory in Leicester, is to be demolished.
It comes as Sir Keir Starmer’s government confirmed at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool on Sunday, September 28, that it is committed to building 1.5 million new homes in the UK by August 2029.
In documents submitted to the council, developers outlined their plans.
CityRegen Leicester Ltd said the area represents the city’s “industrial decline”.
Vandalism and arson
They added vandalism, arson, water damage, broken roofs and smashed windows made it unrealistic to reuse much of the existing buildings.
CityRegen said the facade of the Old Textile Building would be kept intact with its two iconic chimneys also remaining.
While most of the site had become derelict after the factory closed in the 90s, the building is currently home to dance studios, media professionals, food outlets, and even a church.
When the plans were first announced earlier this year, business owners currently using the building and surrounding areas expressed concern at the development.
At the time of the announcement, one said: “I just hope it doesn’t happen, but if it does we’ll just have to move on.”
With Leicester City Council expected to approve the plans this week, the development has sparked more anger from locals.
Among the objectors is Leicester Civic Society (LCC).
Important landmark
In a letter submitted to the council, the LCC said “while it is clear that the site is in need of redevelopment, the current plans will not achieve this in a sensitive manner.
“The former factory is possibly the most important landmark still remaining that marks Leicester’s industrial heritage, especially in regards to the hosiery and knitted garment trade.”
The Council for British Archaeology, the Twentieth Century Society, and Historic Buildings & Places are also reportedly opposed to the loss of the majority of the former industrial buildings.
Dozens of business owners, including an anti-knife crime project, will have to leave the site to make way for the new scheme.
In documents submitted to the council, CityRegen said the redevelopment of the Corah site represents “an unparalleled opportunity to regenerate a key post-industrial site in Leicester”.
“Since its closure in the 1990s, it has become symbolic of Leicester’s industrial decline,” said the developers.
“Whilst some of the old factory buildings have been let out to small businesses, the majority of the site sits derelict.”
Leicester City Council will discuss the scheme on Wednesday, October 1.
