Leicester Centre Properties Ltd (LCP) - Retail Development - Leicester, Haymarket Shopping Centre

Date: 21 Jun 2001

The Haymarket Shopping Centre in Leicester is set for a further dramatic transformation following the announcement today of plans for a £40 million redevelopment of nearly half of the centre by its owner, Leicester Centre Properties Ltd (LCP), a subsidiary of Chartwell Land.

Niall Lindsay, a Director of LCP, said:

"Our scheme for the development of The Haymarket dovetails with the City Council's plans to develop a cultural quarter for Leicester in the St George's area. The proposed investment in even better retail and leisure facilities at The Haymarket will also bring more jobs and will increase the attraction of the city centre."

The planning application submitted to Leicester City Council proposes the redevelopment of approximately half of the existing shopping centre to create 14,500 sq m (156,600 sq ft) of new retail space including a major variety store and 32 new shops and kiosks at ground level along a new mall extending from the centre's existing central square out to the remodelled bus station on Charles Street. On the upper levels, 6,235 sq m (67,000sq ft) of space will be provided for commercial leisure uses such as a multiplex cinema, health club, a family entertainment centre, restaurants and themed bars.

The plans are subject to the City Council successfully securing a new home for the Haymarket Theatre and, if granted planning consent, would not go ahead until such a suitable alternative venue for the theatre becomes available.

Mick Gallagher, Director of Arts and Leisure at Leicester City Council, said:

"The redevelopment of the shopping centre complements the City Council's plan for a Cultural Quarter which will include a new Performing Arts venue to extend the activities of the Haymarket Theatre. The Plans and timetable for this are currently being finalised in collaboration with all our partners and funders."

Allan Hodder, Chairman of the Leicester Haymarket Theatre, said:

"The Leicester Haymarket Theatre continues to work with all partners to achieve the proposed cultural quarter and the realisation of a new - and even better - theatre. In the meantime, it is "business as usual" and the theatre will not move until a suitable new home is guaranteed."

LCP intends to put its plans for the proposed redevelopment of The Haymarket Shopping Centre on show for members of the public to view and comment on over the coming weeks. A public exhibition of the scheme will be set up in The Haymarket and details will be advertised shortly.

Niall Lindsay of LCP added:

"This proposal is a logical extension of the company's major investment in Leicester over the past seven years. In 1994, LCP built the new Haymarket bus station on Charles Street; in 1996 and 1997 it replaced Lewis's with the new Haymarket Towers development and transformed The Haymarket Shopping Centre with a dramatic refurbishment. More recently the company contributed to the pedestrianisation of Humberstone Gate and improved the appearance of the front of the building with a new walkway and glass entrance canopy. The further extension and enhancement of The Haymarket is a reflection of the company's continuing commitment to improve the built environment and retail offer in the city centre."

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