Leicester's city centre historic buildings to get £1.6m makeover

The area has become known locally as Greyfriars, named after the nearby former friary

A "neglected" part of Leicester is to see historic buildings renovated and restored in a new £1.6m scheme.

The city council has outlined plans to transform the area near the cathedral, which it said was in need of repair.

The Greyfriars Townscape Heritage Initiative will focus on 20 Georgian buildings, some of which are now offices, bars and restaurants.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said with some attention the area could be "an absolute gem".

The scheme has been made possible with £1.1m from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £500,000 from the city council.

The city mayor said the area had been left "neglected" for many years

Over the next five years, it will focus on restoring buildings in New Street, Millstone Lane, Friar Lane, Wycliffe Street and parts of St Martins and Peacock Lane.

Sir Peter said: "We have some lovely Georgian buildings here and quite a lot from later periods, and with a bit of tender loving care it could be an absolute gem.

"We want to keep the historic character of this area."

The Leicester Civic Society, Leicester Cathedral and the city's two universities will also be involved in the planning of the scheme.