Leicester Tigers have today been confirmed as the city council's preferred bidder for the planned sale of the Granby Halls site.
Leicester City Council originally marketed the 1.66acre plot of land next to Welford Road stadium in October 2015. This resulted in five expressions of interest, with three bids making the shortlist.
Following careful consideration of the bids, the proposal submitted by Leicester Tigers was selected, as it most closely met the council’s development requirements for the site.
The proposed scheme comprises a hotel at the tip of the triangular plot of land, with five stories of accommodation, conference facilities and a small number of shops and cafes. The proposed development also includes a high-quality public open space in front of the stadium.
City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “The proposed scheme submitted by Leicester Tigers is entirely fitting for this prime city centre location. It will offer improved public space, help attract new investment into the city and enhance the facilities on offer around the Welford Road Stadium.
“Because this is such an important site, it was vital that we imposed development requirements on the site. We want to see a high-quality development of architectural merit, and to ensure that future use is not at odds with its neighbouring businesses and residents.
“The scheme proposed by Leicester Tigers offers real benefits to the club and wider area.”
The city council will now work with Leicester Tigers to negotiate and agree final details of the proposed scheme and terms for the sale of the land.
Simon Cohen, chief executive at Tigers, said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to work in partnership with Leicester City Council.
“Between us, we can create a unique development that will significantly enhance the facilities that both the city of Leicester and the Leicester Tigers can offer.
“Sport has played a significant part in putting Leicester on the map and this development can only help to enhance the city’s sporting profile.”
Although terms are still to be agreed, if the sale goes ahead it will result in a substantial capital receipt for the council.
The land sale will be subject to planning consent being granted.
Leicester City Council originally marketed the 1.66acre plot of land next to Welford Road stadium in October 2015. This resulted in five expressions of interest, with three bids making the shortlist.
Following careful consideration of the bids, the proposal submitted by Leicester Tigers was selected, as it most closely met the council’s development requirements for the site.
The proposed scheme comprises a hotel at the tip of the triangular plot of land, with five stories of accommodation, conference facilities and a small number of shops and cafes. The proposed development also includes a high-quality public open space in front of the stadium.
City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “The proposed scheme submitted by Leicester Tigers is entirely fitting for this prime city centre location. It will offer improved public space, help attract new investment into the city and enhance the facilities on offer around the Welford Road Stadium.
“Because this is such an important site, it was vital that we imposed development requirements on the site. We want to see a high-quality development of architectural merit, and to ensure that future use is not at odds with its neighbouring businesses and residents.
“The scheme proposed by Leicester Tigers offers real benefits to the club and wider area.”
The city council will now work with Leicester Tigers to negotiate and agree final details of the proposed scheme and terms for the sale of the land.
Simon Cohen, chief executive at Tigers, said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to work in partnership with Leicester City Council.
“Between us, we can create a unique development that will significantly enhance the facilities that both the city of Leicester and the Leicester Tigers can offer.
“Sport has played a significant part in putting Leicester on the map and this development can only help to enhance the city’s sporting profile.”
Although terms are still to be agreed, if the sale goes ahead it will result in a substantial capital receipt for the council.
The land sale will be subject to planning consent being granted.
