Granby Street: Pedestrian scheme in city to be made permanent

The temporary scheme introduced during the Covid pandemic is being made permanent

A pop-up scheme in Leicester city centre that was introduced during the coronavirus pandemic is being made permanent.

Leicester City Council set up the scheme to create more space in Granby Street in 2020 as part of the authority's response to the outbreak.

Now new work, which starts on Monday, will see former pay-and-display parking bays converted into wider footpaths and seating areas.

The work is due to last up to 10 weeks.

The former pay-and-display parking bays along Granby Street - which have been out of use for more than three years - will be converted into "wider, high-quality footpaths", with outdoor-café seating areas to help improve the route between the city centre and Leicester railway station.

Additional on-street parking bays will be created in Chatham Street, York Street and Dover Street, the council said.

'Important gateway'

The scheme will also permanently close the junction of Dover Street and Granby Street to vehicles to "help improve safety".

The authority also plans to create a new turning facility in Dover Street, to maintain access for traffic to nearby businesses and attractions.

Deputy city mayor Adam Clarke said Granby Street was an "important gateway into the city centre".

He added: "These latest works will build on recent improvements to this popular part of the city centre, supporting the major heritage-based investment now being made to landmark buildings along the route."