Leicester City Council has opened its first purpose-built children’s home in more than four decades, marking a significant step in strengthening local care for vulnerable young people.
The new home, named Hillview and located in the west of the city, represents a £1.8 million investment that includes £800,000 from the Department for Education. Designed to provide accommodation for five children aged seven to 17, the modern facility aims to create a safe, supportive, and homely environment.
Picture credit: Leicester City Council
Hillview offers five ensuite bedrooms, along with two semi-independent living flats to help older teenagers develop the skills needed for independent living as they prepare to leave care. The home also features a kitchen, lounge, staff accommodation, and a games room decorated with a vibrant ‘street art’ wall.
The home is part of the council’s wider commitment to expanding its in-house provision for children who cannot live with their birth families. Last year, the authority completed the conversion of two council-owned houses into Holly House, providing care for another five young people. Together, Hillview and Holly House increase the number of council-run homes from six to eight, offering care for up to 48 children and young people.
Assistant city mayor for children and young people, Cllr Elaine Pantling, welcomed the opening.
“We’re very proud of the investment we’ve made into these new council-run children’s homes,” she said. “It means we can care for more children and young people in-house, within the city, rather than moving them away to other locations.
“We have excellent, experienced staff and a great track record, and now we also have these wonderful new facilities to support those children and young people who need it most.”
Hillview also incorporates several energy-efficient features, including solar panels and air-source heat pumps, and will serve as a training hub for social care staff, foster carers and other professionals.
The project was delivered in partnership with Loughborough-based Scope Construction. Managing director Maz Patelsaid the company was proud to support the creation of the new home.
“Our project team has delivered another first-class project for the council and local community,” he said. “We look forward to seeing young people thrive in a place with a genuinely homely feel, and we hope to deliver more schemes like this in the future.”
