Outdated garage blocks on Vostock Close, on the St Peters estate, have been demolished to create new residents-only parking spaces.
Two blocks of garages – 10 in total – have been removed and replaced with 10 new parking bays, which are available to residents under a permit scheme.
Picture credit: Leicester City Council
The new spaces add to recent parking improvements across the area, including 30 spaces created on nearby Jupiter Close and a further 21 on Pluto Close, where 23 garages were demolished. In total, there are now 280 parking spaces available for St Peters estate residents, supported by 480 residents’ parking permits. A further 329 parking spaces are available on surrounding streets for general use.
The work forms part of a wider £5 million programme of improvements across the St Matthews and St Peters estates, following a commitment made in 2019 by city mayor Peter Soulsby.
Improvements delivered through the programme include additional parking bays and electric vehicle charging points, upgrades to courtyards and green spaces, and the refurbishment of the play area on Lethbridge Close in St Matthews and the central green space in St Peters.
Deputy city mayor Elly Cutkelvin said the changes reflect long-standing concerns raised by residents.
“These new parking spaces are what residents have been asking for, and removing the outdated garage blocks has significantly improved the area,” she said. “Making the spaces residents-only helps prevent commuter parking, while still allowing visitors to use nearby on-street spaces.”
Ward councillors Hanif Aqbany and Mohammed Dawood have also been closely involved in the scheme.
Cllr Aqbany said the project was already having a positive impact, while Cllr Dawood said the updated facilities would make a real difference for residents and families.
One Atlas Close resident said the changes had improved visibility and safety in the area, adding: “It makes the area feel safer and people have a clear view of their vehicle now.”
Further work completed as part of the wider improvements includes a £1.2 million project on Ottawa Road, on the St Matthews estate, which saw old brick garages and bin stores replaced with new parking bays, street lighting and railings.
