New list of Leicester landmarks approved

Leicester City Council members have approved a new list that catalogues hundred of historical, architectural and/or archaeological landmarks and places of interest across Leicester.

The list was produced after the Council asked members of the public to nominate local buildings and landmarks for the new version of a ‘local list’ of Leicester heritage sites.

The list includes landmarks that are of local significance but do not necessarily meet the criteria for ‘listed’ status on a national level.

Just under 500 buildings and landmarks were put forward by members of the public – each of which add to the overall character and sense of history in Leicester, these included the Lee Circle car park (which is said to be the first of it’s kind in Europe), the Glenfield railway tunnel and the Franciscan Friary where Richard III’s body was found.

The City Mayor Peter Soulsby said the local list “…is a way of recognising the buildings, places and local landmarks that are important to people in Leicester.”

He went on:

“While inclusion on the list may not offer the same protection as listed status, it forces developers and planners to take into account the local significance of these buildings and landmarks.

“Including polarising examples like the Lee Circle car park is bound to fuel controversy and debate, and that’s part of the value of the local list. It helps ensure that Leicester’s architectural gems and other historically significant landmarks are not forgotten.”

To see the full list of Leicester heritage sites and landmarks, head over to the Leicester City Council site.