Leicester’s Highcross Shopping Centre has revealed plans to revitalise its entrances as it looks to celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage.

The investment, following a planning application that was submitted this month, will see the centre’s four separate entrances, including those on East Gates, High Street, Church Gate and Bond Street.

The centre’s owners say they will be reimagined to become urban landmarks that celebrate Leicester’s vibrant fashion and textiles legacy.

From the early 19th century, through to the end of the 20th century, the city was recognised as the ‘second richest in Europe’ thanks to its booming textiles industry, which would eventually give birth to fashion giant, Next, and iconic knitwear specialists, Corah.

The design of each entrance will mirror textures and forms known throughout fashion, including a ‘runway’, a curtain reveal and twisted pleat feature, each brought to life by distinctive lighting, shapes and materials. 

The work will take approximately six months to complete and will be carried out in phases.

Talking about the planned works, Jeremy Lees, director at Savills, said: “The plans are a demonstration of our commitment to continue to build on the shopping and leisure experience here in Leicester.

“As the images reveal, we’re also proud to be tapping into Leicester’s rich fashion and textiles legacy that remains alive and well today, with accent features that will shine a light on that vibrant past and present.”

Commenting on future plans, Jeremy, added: “If approved, these plans are the first of a number of exciting developments set to take place at Highcross over the next 12-months, with more to be revealed in the near future.”