Massive riverside regeneration

A MASSIVE regeneration is to take place over the next 15 years on the banks of the Soar through Leicester.

This is to take in 100 acres of land by the river from Abbey Park right up to the weir by Freeman's Lock including Frog Island which is mostly disused former industrial land, Alan Tilbury tells us.

Government funding

Leicester Council has secured £26 millions of government funding to cover the cost of preparation of the site, that the council hopes to turn into a 'thriving neighbourhood' of  housing and apartments together with offices and light industry.

It is also hoped to develop Soar Island, to help encourage more public access to the waterfront as a hub for water-based and leisure activities.

There have been other building projects to regenerate the area that have gone as far as planning consent, but failed through lack of cash, but it is hoped the government grant will ensure the success of this new scheme.