Leicester’s Grand Hotel is set for a major facelift that will help restore its historic street-level shopfronts and entrances to their former glory.
The Grade II listed building in Granby Street, in the city centre, is set to be repaired and restored as part of Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zones.
As part of a major programme of improvements now underway, the shopfronts that line the Granby Street façade of the hotel will be reinstated as close to the building’s original design as possible, using sustainable hardwood and toughened glass.
Recessed doorways will be fitted with bespoke iron gates, and new signage will be introduced, in keeping with the building.
There will also be improvements made to the hotel’s entrance, with cleaning and repairs made to the oriel windows and balcony. Work to restore the existing canopy above the entrance is also planned.
Work is expected to take around five months to complete and will be supported as part of the city council’s successful bid for £1.5million towards a High Street Heritage Action Zone for the Granby Street and Church Gate conservation areas.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke, who leads on climate, culture and the economy, said: “The restoration of the Grand Hotel’s historic street-level frontages is good news for Granby Street and the city centre.
“The Grand Hotel is a fine example of Leicester’s Victorian past and the city’s rich architectural heritage. It is a local landmark and has long been considered one of Leicester’s most prestigious hotels. With the support of Historic England, this investment will help to restore the building to its former glory, create a much more attractive street scene, and make the area feel safer and more welcoming to all.”
A grant of £700,000 has been awarded towards the cost of the restoration work, which is estimated to cost about £900,000. The hotel owners will contribute £200,000 towards the project.
Louise Brennan, Regional Director for the Midlands at Historic England, said: “This restoration work will be a welcome step in the revitalising of this wonderful area of Leicester. The Grand Hotel is a prestigious building, and we are looking forward to supporting the repair and refurbishment of its street-facing ground floor. Hopefully, this will encourage more people, both tourists and local residents, to step inside to see its fantastic interior and become part of this historic building’s future.”
