Revamp of historic hotel's shopfronts completed

A major project to revamp part of Leicester's landmark Grand Hotel has been completed.

Leicester City Council has led the year-long £900,000 scheme to revitalise the street-facing ground floor of the Grade II-listed Victorian property.

Shopfronts have been refurbished to return them to "as close as the building's original design as possible", the authority said.

This has included fitting the doorways with bespoke iron gates in doorways and installing new shop signs.

The hotel's oriel windows and balcony have also been improved, the council said, while the distinctive canopy above the building's main Granby Street entrance has been restored.

Part of Granby Street has also been remodelled to create more space for cyclists and pedestrians, and the potential for outdoor cafe-style seating areas.

The work was funded by a £700,000 grant from Historic England's High Street Heritage Action Zone programme and £200,000 from Jupiter Hotels, which owns the building.

Leicester mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "The Grand Hotel is a fine example of Leicester's Victorian past and the city's rich architectural heritage.

"With support from Historic England, this landmark building and its historic shopfronts have been restored to their former glory."

Louise Brennan, regional director for the Midlands at Historic England, added: "The Grand Hotel scheme is a brilliant example of how heritage can contribute to the regeneration of our towns and cities.

"Our past is part of our future, and it's great to see the results of our work with Leicester city council and the owners of the hotel."

Jupiter Hotels said the buildings interior was being refurbished too, with all bedrooms "being extensively upgraded" before it reopens in the spring.

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