Regeneration project worth £2.5 million concluded in Leicester

Pick Everard, an award-winning independent property, construction, and infrastructure consultancy, has successfully completed a £2.5 million regeneration project in Leicester, focusing on the revitalization of the Market Place in both Leicester and Shepshed. The initiative aimed to breathe new life into these key urban areas, enhancing functionality and aesthetic appeal to better serve the local community.

Key Improvements

The regeneration project has brought about several significant changes to the Market Place.

Public Realm Enhancement: Redesigned streetscapes and pedestrian areas to create more accessible, attractive, and safer environments for residents and visitors.
Market Facilities Upgrade: Improved market stalls and infrastructure, supporting local traders with better facilities and encouraging increased footfall.
Landscaping and Seating: Added new greenery, trees, and seating areas, promoting social interaction and leisure within the market spaces.
Improved Lighting and Signage: Installed modern lighting and clear signage to enhance safety and navigation, especially during evening hours.
Accessibility Improvements: Ensured that public spaces are accessible to all, including those with disabilities, by adding ramps and tactile paving.

Impact

The project has had a positive impact on the local area in several ways.

Economic Boost: Fueled the local economy by attracting more visitors and increasing market trade, thereby supporting small businesses.
Community Engagement: Created welcoming communal spaces that encourage social gatherings and community activities.
Urban Regeneration: Contributed to wider city regeneration efforts, improving perceptions of the market areas and Leicester’s urban core.
Sustainable Design: Incorporated environmentally friendly materials and features to promote sustainability in urban development.

Matt Hall, director at Pick Everard, stated that the transformation will generate increased footfall for local businesses. Cllr Jewel Miah, leader of Charnwood Borough Council, expressed satisfaction with the completion of the project and believes the improvements will have a positive impact on Shepshed.

The work undertaken was both challenging and rewarding, with minimal disruption in a live working environment. Cllr Jewel Miah worked closely with the town council, town team, local businesses, and residents during the project. The completion of the project was done in collaboration with the town council and the town team.

The plans for Market Place were part of a wider set of public realm works by Charnwood Borough Council. The completed project will enable the town centre to host new events and market stalls. Pavements in Market Place and nearby Brook Street have been upgraded and expanded with soft landscaping elements to increase accessibility.

New improvements in Shepshed's Market Place include car parking spaces, seating, bicycle parking facilities, and an array of trees and plantings. The scheme places accessibility and flexibility at the fore to ensure the space can be used for a variety of purposes, including town centre events.

Cllr Jewel Miah considers the area to be better for residents and more accessible and safer. Cllr Jewel Miah hopes the improvements will benefit the town. The project transformed Shepshed's Market Place into a versatile and pedestrian-friendly space.

The completion of the project is expected to boost trade and increase footfall in the region. Overall, this initiative has transformed Leicester and Shepshed’s Market Place into vibrant, user-friendly hubs that positively impact the local area.

The regeneration project in Leicester and Shepshed's Market Place has created welcoming public spaces that serve as home-and-garden settings for community activities and social gatherings, contributing to a more engaging lifestyle for locals.
With the improvement of public realm, market facilities, landscaping, lighting, signage, accessibility, and the implementation of sustainable designs, these regenerated market spaces have transformed into dynamic and accessible public spaces that better serve the local community.