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08/03/2012
Plans Unveiled To Create Jubilee Square To Mark Queen's Visit
Leicester City Council Mayor Peter Soulsby has unveiled plans to create a new public open space in the historic heart of Leicester city centre.
The space will be named Jubilee Square to mark the Queen’s visit to the city in the year of her Diamond Jubilee.
It will be located at St Nicholas Place, near to the site of the old High Cross.
Peter Soulsby will ask the Queen to unveil a plaque commemorating her visit when he welcomes the royal party to the Clock Tower today. The plaque, which is made of Westmoreland slate, will be installed in the square.
Mr Soulsby said: "This space has huge significance, linking the modern city centre with the old town. It is surrounded by historical gems – the cathedral, Jewry Wall, Wyggeston's House, the Guildhall, the castle and St Nicholas Church are all close by, but they feel very disconnected from the rest of the city.
"The creation of a civic square will be a big step towards reconnecting Leicester with its heritage, and will give visitors a wonderful first impression of the city.
"It will also encourage more regeneration in the area, boost tourism and raise awareness of the many historical assets that surround it.
"I am delighted that we are able to name it Jubilee Square and that we will have such a wonderful reminder of the Queen’s historic visit to our city."
The High Cross which currently sits on Cheapside will be moved to the square, returning it close to its original position, where it would have been at the very centre of the medieval town.
The estimated cost of the scheme is around £4 million. The council will be bidding for cash from the European Regional Development Fund to cover some of the cost, and the rest will come from the sale of council assets.
The gardens will replace the car park, park and ride hub, and taxi rank which are currently sited there.
Detailed designs will now be worked up, but the council aims to keep the park and ride services and taxi rank close by, possibly on St Nicholas Circle.
The existing car park known as The Lanes has around 50 spaces. A council study of city centre car parking has shown there is capacity in other car parks to absorb this, and the council has already created more on-street spaces for evening visitors.
(CD/GK)
The space will be named Jubilee Square to mark the Queen’s visit to the city in the year of her Diamond Jubilee.
It will be located at St Nicholas Place, near to the site of the old High Cross.
Peter Soulsby will ask the Queen to unveil a plaque commemorating her visit when he welcomes the royal party to the Clock Tower today. The plaque, which is made of Westmoreland slate, will be installed in the square.
Mr Soulsby said: "This space has huge significance, linking the modern city centre with the old town. It is surrounded by historical gems – the cathedral, Jewry Wall, Wyggeston's House, the Guildhall, the castle and St Nicholas Church are all close by, but they feel very disconnected from the rest of the city.
"The creation of a civic square will be a big step towards reconnecting Leicester with its heritage, and will give visitors a wonderful first impression of the city.
"It will also encourage more regeneration in the area, boost tourism and raise awareness of the many historical assets that surround it.
"I am delighted that we are able to name it Jubilee Square and that we will have such a wonderful reminder of the Queen’s historic visit to our city."
The High Cross which currently sits on Cheapside will be moved to the square, returning it close to its original position, where it would have been at the very centre of the medieval town.
The estimated cost of the scheme is around £4 million. The council will be bidding for cash from the European Regional Development Fund to cover some of the cost, and the rest will come from the sale of council assets.
The gardens will replace the car park, park and ride hub, and taxi rank which are currently sited there.
Detailed designs will now be worked up, but the council aims to keep the park and ride services and taxi rank close by, possibly on St Nicholas Circle.
The existing car park known as The Lanes has around 50 spaces. A council study of city centre car parking has shown there is capacity in other car parks to absorb this, and the council has already created more on-street spaces for evening visitors.
(CD/GK)
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