Plans for new £3.5m city centre link approved

Plans for a £3.5m revamp of a part of Leicester city centre have taken a step forward.

Leicester City Council has approved an application to demolish empty shops it owns to create a new link between Green Dragon Square and St Martin's Square.

According to planning documents the proposed demolition of the existing buildings at 12-20 Market Place would create a "clear, step-free route and an opportunity for people to pause, meet and enjoy greenery in the city centre".

The council previously said work could start in November and would take about 12 months to complete.

It added the new space would include children's adventure play and paved areas, providing an opportunity for temporary street food vendors.

The Labour-run authority previously said just over £1m of the cost of the project was from a government grant to improve public transport in the city.

Leicester mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "This new scheme gives us a wonderful opportunity to complete the link from Town Hall Square through to St Martin's Square and towards Leicester's Old Town.

"It is also going to bring more much-needed green space to the heart of the city centre, as well as a place for families to rest and play."

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