An abandoned Leicester car park has finally been boarded up after warnings it had become a “hazard to the public”.
The Lee Circle car park in Leicester City Centre shut along with four other NCP sites in March 2026 after the company collapsed into administration.
While three of the site owners have found a new operator in Euro car parks and are back in business, the iconic six-story facility in Lee Circle, home to over 1,000 parking spaces, has become a magnet for crime and anti-social behaviour.
In April 2026, city police discovered an illegal car meet involving more than 20 vehicles, handing out five orders for drug possession and two anti-social driving warnings.
It was revealed the Lee Circle site is owned by Synergie Portfolio Ltd, a company which has been registered dormant since July 2020, according to Companies House.
Leicester City Council had previously stated it was the responsibility of these owners to keep the site safe and secure, and said it had reminded them of this duty.
However, the council launched legal proceedings to start the shut-down on Tuesday (June 2) after officials said the owners had repeatedly “failed to act”.
On Thursday (June 4), the council presented evidence of anti-social behaviour at the site to a district judge in magistrates court.
The judge granted a Closure Order for a period of up to three months, after which the council can apply for an extension if needed.
The order means that anyone who does enter the building without the council’s or court’s permission could face a fine, imprisonment, or both.
Workers were seen fencing off both entrances with wooden panels on Friday (June 5). The council says the work is expected to be completed the same day.
Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “Despite many requests, neither NCP, or the owner of the building have made any attempt to secure it and prevent it from being a hazard to the public, and so the council has taken this action.
“Our safer communities team has spent some considerable time and effort in gathering the evidence needed to secure this order, so the court’s decision today is very welcome.
“While we remain hopeful that an operator will still come forward to take over the car park, it’s essential that the building is made safe and secure in the meantime, and the work needed to ensure this can now go ahead.
“We will of course be seeking to recover all of our costs for this work from those responsible for the building.”
Inspector Ryan Ludlam, commander for the Central Leicester Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA), said: “Leicestershire Police fully support the council’s action to secure this site, which has been linked to ongoing anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.
“This is a positive step in protecting the public and preventing further incidents while longer term solutions are put in place. We would continue to encourage our communities to report any such issues to us by calling 101 or visiting our website.”
The Rutland Centre car park, which is located near the Curve theatre in the city’s cultural quarter, is now the last NCP site left in question.
While it has been fenced off by its owners, councillors have previously reported a new operator has not been found due to differing expectations on charges and the level of revenue income.
By Caitlin James (Local Democracy Reporter)
