Leicester: New Roman museum set to open 'early next year'

Work continues to convert the former Jewry Wall Museum

Leicester's new multi-million pound Roman museum is set to open early in 2025, the city council has said.

The former Jewry Wall Museum is currently being revamped to create a new attraction.

The council began work on the project in 2021 but said progress had been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic and contractors, originally carrying out the renovation, going bust.

It now expects the museum to open within eight months.

The museum's general manager Phil Hackett said: "We have had a number of things that have delayed the project that were completely outside our control but we think we have it under control now.

"We have carried on with the exhibits side of it and the museum's collection even though there have been delays to the building side of it.

"We are ready to go and as soon as it [the building] is ready we will install."

Leicester's Jewry Wall dates back to AD160

Mr Hackett added: "I know everywhere says this, but this [attraction] will be different to everywhere else.

"We are creating an immersive experience, for the entrance to the museum, that just doesn't exist anywhere else.

"This will be a real opportunity for people to come and experience Roman culture and living."

The museum, in St Nicholas' Circle, will be opposite the remnants of the Jewry Wall, the remains of a Roman bath house, which is 29ft (9m) high and dates back to about AD160.

It was a key building in the city, known as Ratae, during 400 years of occupation.

The original £7m price tag shot up to more than £11m, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

In 2021, the city council estimated the total cost would be about £15.5m if completed in spring 2023. An updated figure is yet to be released by the authority.

Leicester mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has confirmed visitors to the new attraction will have to pay for admission, adding it was intended for the scheme to cover its own costs.

Additional reporting by Hannah Richardson, Local Democracy Reporter.