22nd May 2003
International Consultants Appointed for Leicester's Masterplan

The Leicester Regeneration Company has appointed Benoy, internationally recognised architecture and design consultants, to direct the development of an urban design framework for Leicester’s Prime Office Core – a significant project in diversifying Leicester’s economy. The contract was awarded to Benoy on Friday 16th May 2003 and work is due to commence by the end of May 2003.

The concepts presented in the LRC Masterplan identified the Prime Office Core as generating 50,000sqm of new office space and potentially creating over 3,000 jobs. The development will also be focused around a re-aligned railway station exit, new bus and rail interchange and high quality public spaces, reuniting this area with the city centre by radically reducing the impact of the inner ring road.

This exciting scheme attracted Expressions of Interest from 33 consultants of extremely high calibre. Following a thorough selection process, a short list of 7 companies was drawn up. 3 organisations then were invited back for a final interview stage, and Benoy was announced as the successful consultant for this project.

The urban design framework will be the next phase in defining how the new Prime Office Core will physically look once developed. Consequently, expert consultants were required with an excellent track record in urban design, highway re-alignment, railway transformation and public transport interchanges. Based in Offices in Newark, Nottinghamshire, Benoy satisfied these strict criteria.

Initially, the first task will be to investigate the technical options available for re-aligning the inner ring road within the urban design framework. This will identify solutions to reconnect the Prime Office Core with the city centre and generate interest from developers and occupiers alike.

Chief Executive John Nicholls said ‘The standard of tenders we have received has been extremely high, but we felt that Benoy could offer us the extensive experience and expertise we need for this important scheme. We are looking forward to working with Benoy and expect work on the framework to be drafted by September, when we’ll be liaising with the public to obtain their views.’

Benoy will be supported by a specialist team of sub consultants: Innes England will be offering advise on commercial property, Ove Arup & Partners will cover highways and transportation and Turner & Townsend will deal with development costs.

Michael J Wilson MacCormack, Senior Associate Director at Benoy comments, "We are delighted to be working with Leicester Regeneration Company on such a important city centre development. Creating a new Masterplan for the station area is a great opportunity to create a vibrant business quarter and put Leicester firmly back on the map."

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