Plan to part demolish historic Leicester building to make way for six storey flats block

A historic Leicester building could be partly demolished to make way for a six storey block of flats. The building, at 80 Wharf Street, next to Lee Circle in the city centre, boasts a frontage in a Gothic revival style which is locally listed, and housed '90s nightclub Starlite 2001.

Plans submitted to Leicester City Council by Design Studio Architects state the building's ornate frontage would be kept if the flats plan was approved. The new block would contain 30 one-bedroom and 25 two-bedroom flats, and three parking spaces for the use of disabled people and management of the building, according to the planning application. The building would also have roof gardens, bird boxes and "bee bricks", the plans state.

The 1800s building, a former boot and shoe factory, was originally designed by Leicester architect Stockdale Harrison, who also designed the Exchange Buildings in Rutland Street and Abbey Pumping Station. An objection submitted against the plan states the scheme demonstrates a "lack of thoughtful design and consideration for the site's historical, social, and environmental contexts".

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The objection claims the planned building "fails to provide communal spaces or benefits to the local community" and that "the ground floor units have minimal access to external space. The designated area, a small north-facing courtyard, will be overshadowed and dark, creating an uninviting environment".

It adds: "The proposal shows no respect for the design and massing of the historically significant building that is to be retained on the site. The existing building is an integral part of the area's character, and the proposed generic block demonstrates a disregard for its heritage, thereby undermining the site's historical value."

People have until Wednesday, July 17, to comment on the plan, which can be done via the planning portal on Leicester City Council's website.