STATUE IN HONOUR OF SUFFRAGETTE ALICE HAWKINS TO BE PUT IN LEICESTER MARKET

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Statue in honour od suffragette Alice Hawkins to be put in Leicester Market

by Peter Warzynski

A statue of city suffragette Alice Hawkins is set to be put up at Leicester Market, where she delivered many of her speeches aiming to win women the right to vote.

It comes after a campaign by people determined to honour Alice, who died 67 years ago, aged 83.

During her life, she fought for women's rights and equality and was imprisoned five times for standing up for her beliefs.

The campaigners, including councillor Adam Clarke, members of the Civic Society, the National Union of Teachers and Alice's relatives, have been told by city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby they can erect a memorial statue at Leicester Market.

The group will meet later this month to draw up an artist's brief for how they want the monument to look.

Coun Clarke said: "We're looking at somewhere in the market place, but we are nowhere near specifics yet.

"I think the market would be very fitting, it's where Alice spoke to crowds and we want to highlight it as a civic space, as well as a place of commerce.

"Sir Peter has been very good and said he would give us a spot and provide a plinth.

"It's just a start and there's a long way to go, but I think we've got a real argument for putting something together."

Sir Peter said he was happy for the market place to become home to the statue.

He said: "Alice Hawkins is one of the real heroines of modern democracy and she deserves to be properly commemorated.

"I can't think of anywhere better suited than the place where she gave her speeches.

"I'm very happy to consider any suggestions put forward."

A Facebook campaign calling for the statue has been supported by more than 140 people.

The group behind the campaign is looking at ways to raise money for the project, which will be funded by the public, except for the plinth, which will be donated by Leicester City Council.

Leicester Civic Society chairman Stuart Bailey said: "This brave woman spoke out and even went to Gaol in the suffragette cause.

The ideal place would be in Leicester Market, on the spot where she used to put down her soapbox."

Alice's great-grandson Peter Barratt, 57, is also backing the project.

He said: "This statue is aimed at marking all the work Alice did for women's rights, but it's also going to be dedicated to all the women who fought for the same beliefs."

CATHEDRAL REVAMP APPROVED

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Cathedral revamp approved

Plans to create a new public square outside Leicester Cathedral have been given the go-ahead.

The Cathedral Gardens project was approved by Leicester City Council's planning committee on Wednesday.

Church leaders said they were delighted to have gained permission for the £3 million scheme and hoped clearing the hurdle would make it easier to raise the cash they need to make it happen.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has pledged to finance half of the scheme if the Diocese of Leicester can raise the rest.

Project director the Rev Pete Hobson said: "It's an important hurdle to clear because we do need to raise a lot of money and, understandably, there can be a reluctance to offer support to a project that doesn't have planning permission.

"This is a significant scheme for the city and we have worked very hard on it.

"We know we are dealing with a sensitive part of the city's heritage and we want to get it right."

English Heritage had raised concerns about some elements of the scheme, such as the types of flagstones used and the removal of listed railings, but it withdrew objections after the diocese revised the project.

However, Leicester Civic Society chairman Stuart Bailey said he remained concerned about a section of grade II-listed wall which will be reduced in height from seven feet to 16 inches to open the historic Guildhall building up to the new square.

He said: "This has gone through as an alteration to a listed structure which is being reduced in height, but in my view it is simply the destruction of a bit of the city's historic fabric which, once gone, will be lost forever."

The cathedral believes the wall dates from 1888 but Mr Bailey said he thought it was much older, a remnant of the medieval city.

He said: "It's actually irrelevant how old it is. It's listed so it should not be destroyed.

Mr Hobson said there was a "genuine difference of view" on the historic value of the wall.

The scheme will see the overhaul of the cathedral forecourt off Peacock Lane, which was built in 1987, with new lawns and paths installed.

Mr Hobson said the cathedral was anticipating a surge in visitors should human remains discovered by archeologists in a nearby car park turn out to be those of Richard III. He said he expected most of the work on the gardens would be done in 2014.

Anyone wishing to donate to the project should call Mr Hobson on 0116 261 5200.

CATHEDRAL GARDENS REVAMP CRITICISED BY HERITAGE GROUP

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Cathedral gardens revamp criticised by heritage group

English Heritage has raised concerns about £3 million plans to revamp the area outside Leicester Cathedral.

The heritage watchdog says it is unhappy with elements of the Cathedral Gardens project and has joined the Leicester Civic Society in voicing misgivings about the scheme.

Church leaders say they want to create a worthy setting for the 12th-century building, in St Martin's, and an attractive public space.

However, English Heritage has looked at details of the scheme and, though it supports the principle, it says it cannot support it in its current form.

In a letter to Leicester City Council planning officers, its historic building adviser, Helen Ensor, said: "Overall, we see the potential for intervention into this now tired-looking space and the opportunity to create a fitting and functional new forecourt to the cathedral.

"However, we cannot fully support the scheme at this stage and would welcome the opportunity to advise further.

English Heritage opposes the removal of listed railings along the boundary of St Martin's House and St Martin's Lane West as well as the use of Roman-style paving stones.

It has also objected to the removal of headstones.

Ms Ensor said: "Not only are they fine and interesting sculptural elements which point to the cathedral's past as a medieval parish church, but they also represent the life and death of the people who have worshipped here and must be considered as important to the social history of the church and city."

As previously reported in the Mercury, the civic society opposes plans to reduce the height of a grade II-listed Tudor wall, which dates back to 1519, and was part of the Wyggeston Hospital.

It also objects to the alterations to another grade II-listed wall from 1757 which will be reduced in height from eight feet to 16 inches and have an opening created to allow access to the cathedral visitor centre.

It says these will be a loss of historic fabric that has not been justified.

Civic society chairman Stuart Bailey did, however, say the designs for the area were generally of a high quality.

Nobody from the Diocese of Leicester was available for comment yesterday, but the Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, has previously said: "Work has been going on to develop proposals for a new Cathedral Gardens space, uniting the current cathedral precincts and St Martin's House grounds to provide not only a more fitting setting for our cathedral, but also a safe and beautiful garden space at the heart of our city for all its residents and visitors."

A DIVINE INSIGHT INTO CHURCH

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

A divine insight into church

Internet users around the world can now tour Leicester Cathedral's Gothic interior with the simple click of a mouse.

The historic building is one of the first cathedrals to be featured on Google Maps and visitors to the website can see most of the church's grade II*-listed stonework, alter and vibrant stained glass windows, as well as neighbouring St Martin's House.

Web users can even stand on the cathedral's altar for a vicar's-eye-view of the pews, and explore the building's numerous vestibules.

The panoramic images on Google Maps were taken by Leicestershire photographer Chris Jones.

Chris, who captures many photographs of Leicestershire for Google, said: "I think it's a really interesting building to document – especially with the Richard III connection."

He could take images from 30 specific points, or "steps", inside the church, and those are the points from which the Google Maps visitor can view the cathedral's interior.

Chris, who runs LeicesterPhoto Design, in Littlethorpe, used a digital camera with a panoramic head, taking three shots every 90 degrees.

He then "stitched" the images together with software supplied by Google to give a realistic impression of the building's interior.

In August, he uploaded his first church to Google Maps when he visited St Mary de Castro, in Castle View, Leicester.

He said: "It's up to me what buildings I choose to include in the map and, at the minute, I'm concentrating on heritage sites.

"There's so much history in Leicester it's not hard to think of places which would be of interest to a great many people.

"I think this is a great way of opening up places of interest."

Chris has also added Launde Abbey to Google Maps, which goes live today, as well as churches in Bottesford and Lutterworth.

A spokeswoman for Leicester Cathedral said: "This is a fabulous way to publicise your church and to show those who are nervous about coming over the threshold what it looks like inside."

Stuart Bailey, chairman of Leicester Civic Society, said the new Leicester additions to Google Maps was "marvellous".

He said: "The more we can do to promote our city's heritage the better.

"If someone in Colorado can go on the internet and take a tour of Leicester Cathedral then that's fantastic – and if it encourages them to come to Leicester, that's even better."

To view the cathedral, visit Google Maps and click on the doors of the building.

PLANS FOR BANK INCLUDE HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Plans for bank include Hare Krishna temple

Hare Krishna devotees have submitted plans to transform a landmark building into a place of worship.

Members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) are hoping to set up a restaurant, heritage room and an informal library at the former HSBC bank, in Granby Street, Leicester.

The group was left without a place of worship when an explosion tore through its temple in North Evington two years ago.

A planning application for the former bank has been submitted to Leicester City Council.

ISKCON president Pradyumna Dasa said: "We want a spiritual place and to make it available to the public.

"We want to include things such as yoga, meditation and elements of worshipping Krishna.

"Most people don't know the building was by architect Joseph Goddard, who also designed the Clock Tower.

"We want to build a heritage room, telling the story of Goddard."Mr Dasa said a restaurant would serve "wholesome vegetarian cuisine in support of health and wellbeing".

There would also be a library.

"There are 165 language spoken in the city and we want books and literature dedicated to all of them," Mr Dasa said.

"It would be like a very informal library where people could come and read in peace."

He said the temple would also be usable as a venue by community groups and for meetings and banquets.

An official opening date has not yet been set.

"We'll have the odd function here and there as we phase in the work, but we're still going through various planning stages so we can't get an exact opening date until that's done," Mr Dasa said.

He said he could not say how much the project would cost.

Members of the group have been worshipping in rented spaces since the explosion.

They said they were looking forward to moving into the 1870s-built, grade II-listed property.

The building has stood empty since HSBC left in 2008 and was recently added to English Heritage's list of significant buildings at risk of falling into disrepair.

Stuart Bailey, chairman of the Leicester Civic society, said it was "great news" to see the building being made use of.

He said: "This is the building which allegedly made Sir John Betjeman say 'wow', so it's one of our jewels and needs to be treated as such."

AMBITIOUS £3M VISION FOR LEICESTER CATHEDRAL GARDENS UNVEILED

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury (and, oddly, in identical form in the next day's edition too)

Ambitious £3M vision for Leicester cathedral gardens unveiled

Church leaders have unveiled images of proposed new £3 million gardens outside Leicester cathedral.

Staff at the historic building want to create an area with trees and flowers that could host outdoor services and concerts.

As previously reported in the Mercury, the clergy and Leicester City Council are jointly funding the £3 million scheme and yesterday artist's impressions were published.

The move will see the precincts of the cathedral being combined with the car park of the redeveloped St Martin's House diocese building for a new public space.

The gardens will be capable of being turned into an outdoor venue with seating for up to 800 people.

They will include a tranquil graveyard created with the gravestones that stand outside the cathedral.

In 2009, before St Martin's House was started, the cathedral announced plans to transform the grounds but a lack of cash was a problem.

The diocese plans to raise its half of the £3 million through grants and private donations.

The Bishop of Leicester, Tim Stevens, said the scheme, which is waiting for planning permission, was going ahead thanks to the backing of city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby.

He said: "We have long wanted to give the cathedral its proper setting in the city and to make our spaces more attractive. Cathedral Gardens will now allow us to do just that.

"We are very grateful to the city mayor for his backing in getting us to this point and look forward to realising our vision during 2013."

The city council cash will come from the £19 million Connecting Leicester fund set up by the city mayor.

The cash will also be used for a new Jubilee Square at St Nicholas' Circle nearby.

Sir Peter said: "Cathedral Gardens would provide a wonderful setting for our city's cathedral and is an excellent example of what could be achieved through a shared Connecting Leicester vision."

The new gardens will include a central lawn and a water feature outside the cathedral.

The planning application will also include the demolition of a wall on the north side of the St Martins House car park to create a new cafe that will link Cathedral Gardens and the entrance to the Guildhall.

Demolishing the wall is likely to be a stumbling block though.

Chairman of Leicester Civic Society Stuart Bailey said: "The wall is a listed building in its own right and we and English Heritage have expressed our concerns about losing it."

He said there were also concerns about plans to straighten the footpath to the east of the cathedral.

The plans are being sent to the city council and the Church of England's own planning authority for approval. Artist's impressions are available at: www.cathedralgardens. dioceseofleicester.com

GROUPS TO SHOWCASE WORK AT CITY MARKET

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Groups to showcase work at city market

Wheelchair basketball players, sci-fi fans and charity workers will be among those taking over Leicester Market tomorrow.

Up to 100 charities, community groups, societies and clubs are set to showcase their work and activities at the second Our Leicester Day.

It is hoped the event, founded by businessman and charity worker Richard Brucciani, will be bigger and better than last year's debut event.

Mr Brucciani, chairman of hygiene products manufacturer Pal International, said: "We're all looking forward to the return of Our Leicester Day and, luckily, the weather should be a bit better for us this time around.

"There will be a range of activities happening, with all the different organisations showcasing what they've got to offer and, hopefully, it will be even better than last year.

"There will be a performance area this year where budding young pop stars, drama groups and street dancers will perform.

"The Leicester Cobras Wheelchair Basketball team are also going to make an appearance, which is very topical with the Paralympics taking place."

Having secured a £2,000 grant from the RSA charity to stage the event last year, Mr Brucciani has managed to persuade them to hand over £5,000 this time around.

Not all of the money will be spent tomorrow, though, as Mr Brucciani plans to use it for further events.

Rob Hunter, of Dads' United, a resource group for fathers, said: "It was a great day last year working alongside some good men and we all learnt a lot.

"We are aiming to raise the profile of our organisations and hopefully recruit some new members.

"After the terrible windy conditions that we experienced last year, it's nice to see that the weather forecast looks pretty good."

John Coster, managing editor of Citizen's Eye, a community news agency, and one of the event organisers, said: "We're in charge of the filming, photography and social networking and it will certainly be bigger and better than last year."

Other organisations taking part include Leicester Civic Society, Chill Enterprises, Leicester Charity Link and Starbase Leicester, a group for sci-fi and fantasy fans.

Our Leicester Day will take place from 11am to 3pm tomorrow.

For more information about the event, visit: www.leicesterday.org.uk

IS THE DIOCESE "TURNING ITS BACK" ON FOUR HISTORIC CITY CHURCHES?

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Is the diocese "turning its back" on four historic city churches?

The Leicester Citizen, journal of the Leicester Civic Society, is always an interesting read and its thought-provoking articles are never afraid to broach difficult subjects.

In his chairman's page, Stuart Bailey states the visit to Leicester by the Queen at the start of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations was "a highlight of recent months".

He observes the Queen visited Leicester Cathedral for the first time and that "from her reaction (she) was suitably impressed by this beautiful building and its setting".

Mr Bailey then goes on to say that our cathedral, "while not one of the great historic cathedrals with monastic origins and world heritage status… can claim an intimate connection with the ancient city".

He says: "When you enter the cathedral closes at Exeter, Lichfield or Wells, you are instantly in a world apart. In Leicester, however, the cathedral has always felt to be an integral part of our city."

Mr Bailey states that the society is working with the cathedral authorities over the proposed Cathedral Gardens that will, it is hoped, "create a truly attractive open space and undo the damage inflicted by the poor 1980s design, which itself replaced the churchyard".

This is all very positive and encouraging. However, Mr Bailey adds a sobering paragraph: "Of course, it's not all sweetness and light.

"In being welcomed at our cathedral, the Queen would have been unaware of the Diocese of Leicester's heritage at risk, in the form of no fewer than four historic churches, all listed buildings, three Victorian and one early Medieval – St Saviour's, St Paul's, St Barnabas and the 12th century St Peter's Belgrave – now closed for worship."

Elsewhere in the journal we read: "One church building at risk is one too many, but Leicester now has four.

"Their plight is the result of the Diocese of Leicester deliberately turning its back on its own built heritage."

So how does the diocese answer this?

"In no sense has the diocese 'walked away' from these beautiful buildings," says a diocese spokesman.

"It is always a matter of sadness when a church building is no longer able to be used for its original purpose, because these places have always played a very important part in the life of the community and carry vital memories for many.

"This sense of loss is heightened when the building also has significant architectural or historical features.

"The diocese, which has responsibility for seeking alternative uses for closed Church of England buildings, works very hard to safeguard this heritage, even though it is often very difficult to find a suitable new use.

"Meanwhile, we do all we can to protect and maintain these empty buildings against the ravages of time, the weather and, increasingly, thieves and vandals.

"At the same time, we face the challenge of resourcing the churches which remain open.

"We welcome such practical and financial support as is available from other agencies, but the majority of the money has to come from the Church's own resources. We never shirk our responsibilities."

HISTORIC BUILDING IS SET TO BECOME PLACE OF WORSHIP

This article is published in today's Leicester Mercury:

Historic building is set to become place of worship 

By Dan Martin 

One of Leicester's landmark historic buildings has been bought by Hare Krishna devotees, who plan to turn it into a place of worship. 

The Victorian former bank, in Granby Street, in the city centre, has been acquired by the Leicester members of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). 

The group has been seeking a permanent base since its previous temple, in Thoresby Street, North Evington, Leicester, was destroyed by an explosion in September last year. 

Members have been worshipping in rented spaces since then, and said they were looking forward to moving into the 1870s-built, Grade II-listed property. 

The building has lain empty for three years since HSBC quit the premises, and has recently been added to English Heritage's list of significant buildings at risk of falling into disrepair. 

President of ISKCON, Pradyumna Das, said the building would be open to the public. 

He said: "This is a great opportunity for us to bring back into use a fantastic building right at the heart of the city. 

"As well as a focus on spirituality and self-realisation, we want to invite the people of our county to come and learn about the heritage of the place and celebrate its wonderful architecture." The society intends to restore the building to its former glory and bring it back into use as a place of worship with a range of community activities, eventually providing a restaurant, yoga and meditation studio, and self-development workshops. 

The amount paid for the property has not been revealed. 

But the purchase has been made possible thanks to the financial support of an unnamed family based in London and Leicester. 

A spokesman for the family said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to offer not only a place of worship but also a place of spiritual learning for all the people of Leicester." 

ISKCON spokesman Pradip Gajjar said: "We are very excited, but it could be some time before we are able to move in." 

Stuart Bailey, chairman of Leicester Civic Society, has described the building as "an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic architecture – probably the finest in the city". 

He said of the purchase: "This is great news because there were fears the building would fall into disrepair. 

"There are already some problems with the roof and I imagine they will want to get in there quickly because the longer they leave it the more repairs they will have to make. 

"This building is a real stunner and when they built it, it was way ahead of its time. I think its massive banking hall will make a wonderful place of worship."

HARE KRISHNAS LOOK TO MOVE INTO FORMER LEICESTER CITY CENTRE BANK

From today's Leicester Mercury:

Hare Krishnas look to move into former Leicester city centre bank

A former bank could become a new home to Hare Krishna worshippers whose temple was destroyed in a gas explosion.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has been without a permanent base since its premises in Thoresby Street, North Evington, Leicester, was wrecked in September.

Now devotees have set their sights on the former HSBC offices in Granby Street.

The grade II-listed building, completed in 1874, has stood empty for two-and-a-half years since the bank moved its operations to Enderby.

The Hare Krishnas hope to breathe new life into the building.

They have lodged a planning application to change the use of the building from a bank to a place of worship, with a vegetarian restaurant, creche, offices and bedsits.

They also want to use the building, with its impressive hall, to host weddings.

ISKCON spokesman Pradip Gajjar said: "It has been a pretty tough 10 months for us since the explosion but we hope that the bank will be a fairytale ending."

More then 30 people were in or near the Thoresby Street building, when it went up in flames following the explosion on September 3, but nobody was injured.

Since then, about 200 worshippers have been gathering on Sundays at the rented East West Community Project, in Wilberforce Road, Leicester.

Mr Gajjar said the bank was pointed out to them as a potential home but had been unaffordable until two wealthy benefactors, who do not wish to be named, offered to buy it for them.

He said: "These are two guys who came over to Leicester in the early 70s from East Africa and made the city their home.

"The Lord blessed them and the city looked after and sheltered them and now they want to give something back.

"They said that if we thought this was the right place for us they would, between them, buy it for us.

"For a number of years we have been looking for a new place – even before the fire – and their generosity allows us to look at this really exciting possibility.

"It is a beautiful building, architecturally stunning, that carries a lot of heritage and we think we can make very good use of it."

Mr Gajjar did not wish to say how much it would cost.

Stuart Bailey, chairman of Leicester Civic Society, said: "I'm all in favour of old buildings getting new uses and there was a fear that the magnificent old bank could have been left to fall into disrepair.

"A building of that size and age brings with it a considerable responsibility in terms of maintenance but if the Krishnas are willing to take that on, I'll be pleased.

"Changing the use from the bank is not a problem but if they want to do anything to the internal or external structure they may have a problem because of the restrictions that come with listed status."

Mr Gajjar said the society still hoped to rebuild the Thoresby Street centre even if the HSBC plan succeeded.

"CREATIVE" BUYER WANTED FOR 12TH CENTURY CHURCH

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

"Creative" buyer wanted for 12th century church

A medieval church which has stood empty for more than six months has been put up for sale.

Grade II-listed St Peter's, in Belgrave, Leicester, went on the market this week.

The church was shut in November last year, despite fierce opposition from worshippers and Leicester Civic Society.

It has since been targeted by thieves and vandals who have stolen lead from the roof and decapitated the statue of St Peter that stands in the doorway.

Leicester estate agent Andrew Granger & Co has set a guide price of £150,000.

Surveyor Elizabeth Watson said: "It is a very lovely church. It needs protecting and that's just how it is with buildings like this.

"We are inviting interested people to get in touch and we are happy to give them advice on whether their ideas for development are suitable.

"It could be a library for instance. It could be a nursery, but while the building is in good repair, it would need some work for this use.

"Basically, a person with some good creative ideas would be ideal."

The church was built in the 12th century, but many additions have been made to it over the years, including Edwardian choir stalls and a Victorian vestry.

The earliest slate headstones in the churchyard are dated 1689 and there are a number of memorials to the First World War and the Boer War inside the building.

Its historic and architectural significance mean strict guidelines on development are in place.

The church is being sold on the instructions of the Church Commissioners for England and Leicester Diocesan Board of Finance, who are also in the process of selling St Saviours, Highfields, and St Gabriel's, Rushey Mead.

A document released by the Church of England to give advice to potential developers said: "Many suitable new uses have been found for closed churches, including places of worship for other Christian bodies, civic, cultural or community use, arts and crafts or music or drama centres."

Liz Hudson-Oliff, of the diocese of Leicester, said they hoped for a quick sale.

She said: "One does not like to see such a building lie empty for any length of time, because it is then that you get problems with vandalism and the like.

"We would hope for a quick sale and for it to be turned into something appropriate.

"The church was put on the market because there were too many churches in the area for the amount of people using them."

Leicester Civic Society has welcomed the announcement that the building is on the market.

Chairman Stuart Bailey said: "That was very quick indeed and I am delighted. However, as I said back before it shut, it will be very difficult to use this building for anything other than a church, because of its listed status.

"I fear that a suitable buyer will not be found, but would love to see it brought back into use in a suitable way."

TRAGEDY OF ST SAVIOUR'S

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Tragedy of St Saviour's

The plight of Leicester's redundant churches is an ever-increasing problem.

What is going to happen to St Peter's Belgrave, St Gabriel's and St Barnabas? Will they stand dejected and rotting like the once magnificent edifices of St Paul's and St Saviour's, or even end up like the burnt-out shell of St Augustine's?

There is a serious problem here and it needs to be addressed, as is made all too clear in an article by Karen Green in the November edition of the Leicester Citizen, journal of the Leicester Civic Society.

It is entitled "The Threat to St Saviour's" – now a heartrending sight of neglect and dereliction, but was once the pride of the area. Here is just part of what she has to say:

"From christenings to funerals, the generations who lived in the densely populated area had their own personal attachment to St Saviour's and many stories to tell. I recently received contact from a lady who informed me about one of the windows located in the Memorial Chapel. Here great grandparents lost their son in France during the Great War; they worshipped at St Saviour's and paid for the window to be installed. Depicted is the image of an angel with vibrant halo and robes, the angel's face is the actual face of the fallen soldier.

"All very poignant and one example of how St Saviour's provides a tangible link to the social history of our city.

"Sadly in 2005, St Saviour's closed its doors as a functioning church and has subsequently been declared redundant. In 2010 it presents a sorry sight sitting in unkempt grounds where discarded waste and overgrown flora are the norm.

"The impression that no one cares has been seen as a green light for drug users, drinkers and vandals, and the result of their unwanted attention is devastating. The window I mentioned is half-gone, having been used as a means of entrance, what is left is peppered with holes. The once beautifully ornate pulpit is obliterated and several small fires have been started which fortunately didn't take firm hold.

"It is heartbreaking to witness such a precious building awaiting a dreadful fate."

St Saviour's if of architectural significance — not just because of its size, but the fact that it was the last project of one of the greatest of all Victorian architects, Sir George Gilbert Scott – whose designs include the frontage of the magnificently restored St Pancras Station and the Albert Memorial.

In her last paragraph Karen Green writes: "There have been too many historic buildings and monuments lost in Leicester in recent years through ignorance, apathy and wanton destruction and enough is enough! We must do all in our power to ensure that buildings such as St Saviour's are brought into use for future generations. It's time to insist that the privileged guardians of Leicester's heritage do all they can to adequately protect what is – when all is said and done – our true and rightful inheritance."

To join the Leicester Civic Society call 01509 520 904.

This week it was announced that St Saviour's was to be sold.

Church helping bring in visitors

There's a nice article in the Leicester Mercury today about St Martin's House - which recently opened for business - and its contribution to the creation of a new "Heritage Quarter" for Leicester. This is an attractive part of the city centre, built up around the old Grammar School which has since relocated to Great Glen. It's a part of town that is largely unknown and underused. I know it pretty well because I lived in the West End of Leicester for four years and used to walk through this area into the city centre.

The pictutre above is a computer generated image, produced to raise interest in St Martin's House while it was still in development. I couldn't find a good "real" image of the building online that I could post here. This is an accurate rendering of how it looks now though.

I'm sure that this new development will be good for this area. But I have one question: what happened to the possessive apostrophe in "St Martin's"? It's in this article from the Mercury alright, but it's nowhere to be seen on the new building!

Church helping bring in visitors

In the latest in his series on Leicester's regeneration, Ian Griffin looks at work to create a Heritage Quarter

One of the most historic parts of Leicester is undergoing a renaissance.

St Martin's House, in Peacock Lane, opened this year after the £7 million renovation of the former grammar school site.

The office and conference complex has helped attract hundreds more visitors to the area – including the 14th century Guildhall and 11th century cathedral – which has been dubbed "the heritage quarter".

Now, the site's owner, the Anglican Diocese of Leicester, is looking to spend an additional £2 million revamping the ground near to the building.

But, like other developers in the city, it is being forced to find alternative ways of raising the cash after Government spending cuts.

Half of the funding for the second phase of the project was due to have come from East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA). However, this was lost following the announcement that EMDA was to close.

Rev Pete Hobson, director of St Martin's House, said: "We see it as a flagship project which can kick-start regeneration of the heritage quarter.

"This is a project costing some £7 million, which has come from benefactors, not the public sector.

"In terms of regeneration, it's a good story, but it's early days."

About £3 million of the funding for St Martin's came from millionaire businessmen David Wilson and David Samworth, with the rest coming from the diocese and fund-raising schemes.

Office rent and conference rooms and grand hall bookings mean St Martin's House will generate income for the diocese within two years.

In the second phase of the development project, the diocese is also planning to make the school playground and cathedral precincts into Cathedral Square.

Mr Hobson said he was looking at ways of raising cash, including approaching other potential benefactors.

Businesses said the new venue was a valuable addition to the area.

Celine Issitt, corporate account manager at Hotel Maiyango, in nearby St Nicholas Place, which runs corporate and wedding events at St Martin's House, said couples could get married at the historic Guildhall, before moving on to the former school for the reception.

"I think the regeneration of St Martin's House has contributed hugely to putting the stamp of 'heritage quarter' on this part of the city," she said.

"Obviously, the Guildhall and the cathedral have always been here.

"However, the attraction of St Martin's House has really brought an increased footfall to the area.

"It's a beautiful backdrop. People come in and see the grand hall at St Martin's and their jaw drops."

Stuart Bailey, chairman of Leicester Civic Society, said: "There's a tremendous amount of historic buildings in that area.

"Anything that attracts people into it is only going to be good. It will boost the economy of the area. This, in turn, will help further development."

Read this article on the Leicester Mercury website, along with reader comments:
http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/news/Church-helping-bring-visitors/article-3348822-detail/article.html

Find out more about St Martin's House and Cathedral Square:
http://cathedralsquare.dioceseofleicester.com/

LEICESTER CATHEDRAL PLANS "WILL WIPE OUT HISTORY"

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Leicester Cathedral plans "will wipe out history"

Conservation experts say plans to create a square outside a cathedral would remove "everything of historical importance" from the area.

The Diocese of Leicester wants to develop the space around Leicester Cathedral into a public square able to hold concerts for more than 1,000 people.

The project has been recommended for refusal by Leicester's conservation advisory panel, an independent body which advises the city council on planning applications.

Its two main objections centre on the removal of headstones and fears that ancient pathways, such as St Martin's Walk East and West, will be "lost in the proposals".

Richard Gill, chairman of the panel, said: "The headstones are characteristic of the area and some of the examples, I'm told, are originals.

"The walkways are ancient routes and we cannot lose that."

A spokesman from the Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society said: "We have some major concerns about these proposals, particularly the loss of headstones and the loss of ancient pathways."

A report of the panel's meeting to consider the plans, which took place last month, reads: "The panel felt that the proposed scheme did not enhance or preserve the area as it was destroying everything that is aesthetically and intrinsically pleasing.

"How can it possibly preserve or enhance the historic environment when everything of historical importance is being swept away?

The panel also voiced concerns that underlying archaeology and burials would be compromised.

The diocese says the headstones would be replaced by an alternative memorial.

The diocese wants to spend £12m on the three-stage project – which involves creating a Cathedral Square, turning the former Leicester Grammar School buildings into St Martin's House for social outreach work and changing the cathedral so it lets in more light.

Earlier this year, the city council indicated it could not help with the £2m needed for Cathedral Square, so the project is believed to be in limbo.

The Ven Richard Atkinson, Archdeacon of Leicester, said: "The diocese is continuing to progress plans for the square.

"We note the observations of the Conservation Panel and believe the emerging plans will provide a public space of high quality that respects the past and opens up the future."

Leicester Civic Society has previously said it has no objections to the plans.

The conservation advisory panel has no powers of determination but about 80% to 90% of its recommendations are agreed by the planning committee's final decision.

The plans also need approval from the Cathedrals' Fabric Commission for England, which is discussing them but is thought to be supportive.

CENTURIES OF HISTORY WILL END WITH LEICESTER CHURCH'S CLOSURE

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

 

Centuries of history will end with Leicester church's closure

Nearly 1,000 years of history is to end with the closure of an 11th century church.

Within weeks, the doors of St Peter's Church, in Belgrave, will be bolted shut.

Nearby St Gabriel's Church, on Kerrysdale Avenue, will also close after the Church of England upheld the proposal to decommission the buildings.

Worshippers yesterday said they felt devastated.

A public consultation prompted 135 letters of protest at the plans, most concerning the closure of St Peter's.

At a meeting on Monday at the Church of England's London headquarters, the Diocese of Leicester was given permission to go ahead with the closures.

A spokesman for the Church Commissioners, responsible for church assets, said they "concluded that the parish only needs one church building".

St Alban's Church will be the only church serving Belgrave.

Ian Bewley-Parker, 71, has worshipped at St Peter's Church for most of his life. He used to be church warden.

"I'm devastated," he said.

"I couldn't say right now whether I will go to St Alban's once St Peter's closes."

St Peter's Church is a Grade II listed building that has been traced back to 1082.

Stuart Bailey, chairman of Leicester Civic Society, said the closure was "extremely short-sighted and destructive".

The Diocese of Leicester said it could not afford to keep three churches open in Belgrave.

If there is no appeal, the churches will be closed after Easter.

Did you worship at St Peter's? Did your parents get married there – or did you? We'd love to hear your stories of the church and if you have pictures then we would like to see them. Contact Simon Ward on 0116 222 4262 or: sward@leicestermercury.co.uk

CHURCH LEADERS UNVEIL PLANS TO TRANSFORM LEICESTER'S CATHEDRAL SQUARE

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Church leaders unveil plans to transform Leicester's cathedral square

Church leaders have unveiled plans to turn an historic area into a public square.

About £1m will be spent creating a plaza outside Leicester Cathedral – one larger than Town Hall Square, with seating for 1,000 people.

It is the first phase of a £12m plan to develop the building and the area around it, which includes the former grounds of Leicester Grammar School.

The buildings were bought by the church in March 2008.

The square will form part of the Heritage Quarter being planned by the city council.

It will include the Magazine, Jewry Wall museum and Castle Gardens.

Plans have been submitted to the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England.

Pete Hobson, director of the project at the Diocese of Leicester, said: "It is one of the oldest areas of Leicester and it deserves attention.

"The work to the cathedral will involve flattening the mounds outside it and levelling the area to create a larger public space with greenery.

"However, it's only the first stage of the project and we are still developing it."

The commission, the body responsible for all Church of England cathedrals, will consider the plans next month.

Dean of Leicester Vivienne Faull said: "Leicester Cathedral is a little-known gem hidden away in our city.

"By developing the space in front of it in this way, we will not only be creating a safer and much more welcoming place, but also a space that can be used by both city and church for large gatherings of all sorts."

Developers have suggested a series of water features, including jets placed within the pavement and a Place Line – a memorial in the form of a pavement inlay, detailing the city's history.

All of the headstones in the area surrounding the cathedral would be removed.

However, the details would be recorded and an alternative memorial incorporated into the design.

Derek Hollingworth, vice-chairman of Leicester Civic Society, said: "It's a good idea and a step in the right direction.

"We need to conserve and restore as many parts of historic Leicester as we can.

"I knew something was in the pipeline for the historic quarter and now it's good to see someone has finally put pen to paper."

Developers said there would be the potential to create a performance stage.

The last phase of the development is expected to see the restoration of the inside of the cathedral and the development of the highways around the site.

Proposals for the former school, would see it transformed into the St Nicholas Centre.

This would house a dance studio, exhibition areas and conference halls.