Leicester's Pilot House to be transformed into creative hub with £13m investment

A cluster of heritage buildings in Leicester city centre is being transformed into a contemporary home for creative businesses.

The five separate but interconnected buildings will be converted into high-quality workspaces for start-up and growing businesses.

The buildings will offer 60,000 square feet of space, which is expected to support more than 250 new jobs.

Tenants will have access to meeting and conference facilities, a café and kitchen, a courtyard, and a range of workspaces, including a co-working lounge for creative tech and digital businesses.

Existing industrial features, such as parquet flooring and exposed brick and beams, will be retained.

City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “This project will transform a group of architecturally significant heritage buildings into a creative hub for start-up and growing businesses and a landmark destination that will become a source of pride for Leicester.

“Not only will it contribute to the wider regeneration of the Belvoir Street, Market Street and New Walk areas, and complement developments like the Gresham Building, it will also create hundreds of high quality new jobs – including more of the skilled roles that will encourage graduates from Leicester’s two universities to remain in the city when their studies are over.

“It’s great news that this scheme is now under way. Backed by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, it will give a huge boost to the city’s growth and economic recovery.”

Contractor Henry Brothers Construction has been appointed by the city council to deliver the £13.3m scheme.

Managing director Ian Taylor said: “We are very excited to have been appointed to this renovation project, which will breathe new life into the historic Pilot House and help to boost Leicester’s economy and growth.

“It’s a superb development which includes the retention of industrial features.

“Henry Brothers has significant experience of working on heritage and renovation projects and we are very pleased to have now started on site with our team and alongside our partners.”

The construction team also includes architects RG+P and structural engineer M-EC.

The Pilot House scheme will support the Leicester's creative and design sector, providing a permanent base for businesses of all sizes, from start-ups to established firms.

Tenants could include designer makers, design practices, software and tech designers, and fashion and textile businesses.