Revised £7.5m Leicester Market revamp plans submitted

Plans to transform the historic Leicester Market into a joint events and retail space have been submitted.

Leicester City Council has put forward the first of two applications for approval, which details seating, planting, lighting and security measures for the city centre site.

The second application, which is expected in the coming months, will set out the details for a new covered market structure.

The authority submitted new proposals for a shared space after a backlash from traders over fears they would not be allowed to return to the 700-year-old marketplace.

Last year, work on the planned £7.5m revamp, which was announced in 2022, was paused following demolition work.

The council said at the time the area opened up by the work could instead be used as a space for events.

However, a consultation to return the market to its original location and create a new event space received "overwhelming" backing.

The latest plans will see a smaller 48-stall market built adjacent to the existing food hall.

Automated shutters would secure the market when it was not in use and it could be fully dismantled if the entire site was being used for an event.

However, the council said the new covered market stalls would likely be for food vendors only, meaning other traders may need to find a new location.

According to planning documents, the authority hopes to use the square to create an "open and heritage-focused public realm at the heart of the city".

The scheme will see views of the historic Corn Exchange building opened up, with new planting and lighting aimed at "enhancing" and focusing on heritage features.

"Bespoke perch seating" will also be installed throughout the site, documents stated.

New security measures will be introduced, including retractable bollards to be installed at the edge of the market square.

The documents state: "Leicester's covered market has long been a defining feature of the city's civic and commercial life.

"Located at the heart of the historic Market Place, it has for centuries served as a hub for trade, social gathering, and local commerce.

"However, in recent decades, the market has faced increasing challenges.

"Trading conditions and the overall visitor experience declined, falling short of expectations for a modern, accessible city centre destination."

The application added: "The aim for the site is to create a more inclusive, resilient, and engaging city centre space, where heritage, community events, and public life can be enjoyed."

A public consultation on the plans will run until 29 July, with a decision due to be made on 25 September.

The regeneration of the market is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

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