Victorian hotel in Leicester to be restored to 'former glory'

A five-month restoration of the hotel's exterior is under way

Leicester's historical Grand Hotel is to undergo a major revamp to improve the appearance of the building.

Repairs to the Grade II-listed Victorian building are to be carried out following a successful bid for cash from Historic England.

The heritage watchdog has awarded £700,000 towards restoration and the owners of the hotel are contributing £200,000.

The work would restore the hotel to its "former glory", the city council said.

The authority said repairs had started on the street-level shopfronts along the Granby Street façade of the hotel.

Doorways will be fitted with bespoke iron gates and new signs will be installed over the next five months.

The hotel's entrance will also be cleaned up and restored.

The work will restore the hotel to its "former glory", the council says

Deputy city mayor Adam Clarke said: "The Grand Hotel is a fine example of Leicester's Victorian past and the city's rich architectural heritage.

"It is a local landmark and has long been considered one of Leicester's most prestigious hotels.

"This investment will help to restore the building to its former glory, create a much more attractive street scene, and make the area feel safer and more welcoming to all."

Mr Clarke said the project was part of a wider plan to restore the city's Granby Street and Church Gate conservation areas using £1.5m secured from Historic England's High Street Heritage Action Zones scheme.

Louise Brennan, regional director for the Midlands at Historic England, said the work was "a welcome step in the revitalising of this wonderful area of Leicester".

The Grand Hotel's owner, Jupiter Hotels, said the building's interior would be upgraded in 2024.