28th August 2002
Positive response to stage two of masterplan

Further to public consultation on stage two of Leicester’s masterplan for future regeneration, the results of the first stage of public consultation have now been announced.

Overall the broad framework for regeneration was widely supported, particularly ideas to reunite the waterfront with the city centre and develop the retail core. Many of those who attended suggested additional areas for development, including an improved transport system and better leisure facilities. However, there was strong opposition to the possible relocation of Leicester market with 69% of the public who participated opposing the idea.

The masterplan has been commissioned by Leicester Regeneration Company and is being developed by Roger Tym & Partners. Detailed development and consultation will continue until 8th November when Patricia Hewitt MP will launch the final plan.

Over 1,400 members of the public attended the three-day presentation at the Shires Shopping Centre, discussed the plans and left their comments with members of staff. In addition 135 responses with extensive comments were received through the Leicester Mercury supplement and 25 people responded via the website.

Peter Wheeler, Chairman of Leicester Regeneration Company said ‘This was consultation of a broad strategy, now we can start to work up details on the basis of public preferences. We are grateful to everyone who got involved, many of whom responded to our ideas in great detail. In general the plan has been widely supported, except the idea of moving the market, and we have been given some valuable ideas from the public.'

Leicester Regeneration Company has carried out a number of consultations in addition to the Shires presentation including presentations to Leicestershire Business Voice and many more are planned in the forthcoming months. In addition to this, the Stakeholder Group and Citizens Team will continue to meet frequently leading up to the final plan. The LRC are still keen to hear from people and organisations and would encourage the public to contact them to find out more about the masterplan and getting involved in the consultation process.

John Nicholls, Chief Executive of Leicester Regeneration Company said ‘We have been really impressed at the level and depth of response from the public to our proposals, which, in general, have been well supported. To date we have received 500 written responses from members of the public, and continue to receive responses. The idea of moving the market has provoked some strong feelings, which we respect. We will now pass on the results of our consultation to Leicester City Council, for their response. We will continue to work up these proposals, but are still keen to hear from people with their views.’

For more information on the masterplan please visit leicesterregeneration.co.uk, or to speak to one of the team call

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