Major transformation for Highcross entrances

Work on the final two entrances at Highcross Leicester has begun today (8 Jan), with Bond Street and East Gate set to receive a major new look.

Starting today, both entrances will see work get underway in a bid to complete the project. While East Gate is closed off for the duration of the works, Bond Street will remain open.

Once complete, the two entrances are estimated to reopen, as normal, in mid-April.

In the meantime, shoppers are being encouraged to use the recently-reopened High Street and Church Gate entrances.

Plans for the redevelopment were first revealed in late 2024, with the centre announcing its ambition to redesign its four entrances, privately funded, as part of an ongoing commitment to investing in the space and its offering.

As a nod to the city’s textiles heritage and its architectural legacy, all four entrances will reflect textures and forms known throughout fashion.

The first of the finished works can be seen in the ‘runway’ feature that now greets shoppers on High Street; a design which incorporates a decorative archway, benches and an illuminated pleated wall to highlight the entrance.

In addition to improving the look and feel of the centre’s exterior, it is hoped that the new ‘urban landmarks’ will more clearly signpost its entrances and encourage footfall to not only retailers inside, but also neighbouring businesses.

Commenting on the next phase of works, Michelle Menezes, Centre Director at Highcross Leicester, said:

“As we progress into the final stage of this redevelopment, the transformation is starting to feel real. What were just sketches and plans over a year ago, are now coming to life, helping us to mark an important milestone in creating a more welcoming space for everyone who visits, or walks by, the centre. High Street and Church Gate now look refreshed, inviting and ready to welcome shoppers into the centre.

“Now it’s the turn of our Bond Street and East Gate entrances. I want to take the opportunity to thank shoppers and retailers, both in the centre and nearby, for their patience while we’ve been carrying out works. While we’ve strived to minimise as many disruptions as possible, we know that it can still be challenging for any business to navigate. As before, we’ll continue to work closely with all stakeholders involved, and look forward to welcoming shoppers into the final two, re-designed entrances, later this year.”

For more information on Highcross, visit www.highcrossleicester.com, or check out its social media channels, on Facebook, TikTok, X and Instagram.

Work is set to begin on the new entrances at Highcross Leicester next week, with High Street and Church Gate the first to be remodeled.

In October 2024, the shopping centre, in collaboration with Threesixty Architecture, revealed that the designs for its four entrances, including East Gate and Bond Street, were to reflect the city’s booming textiles industry during the early 19th and late 20th Century.

As a nod to that legacy, each entrance will mirror textures and forms known throughout fashion, including a ‘runway’, a curtain reveal and twisted pleat feature.

Planning consent was granted in February 2025, with work now set to begin on the first two entrances, High Street and Church Gate, between 14 July – 21 November 2025. The High Street entrance will be closed off for the duration of the works and will reopen again on 22 November 2025. Plans suggest that the two entrances will reopen just before the busy festive season so that shoppers can enjoy the new-look entrances as backdrops to seasonal pictures.

During that time, shoppers are encouraged to use the alternative entrances on East Gate Street and Bond Street - where, in the New Year, from 5 January – 13 April 2026, work will begin, with East Gate being closed off for the duration of the second phase of works.

This latest plan follows a series of other investments from the leading shopping centre in the last six months, including the arrival of a new centre director, the delivery of a brand refresh and the introduction of several new global brand names, Mango, Rituals, Space NK and Maki & Ramen.

Commenting on the start of the work, Centre Director at Highcross, Michelle Menezes, said:

“Having been a part of Leicester’s retail scene myself many years ago, and now as Highcross’ Centre Director, I know first-hand just how passionate this city is about fashion and how deeply connected people feel to its heritage. I’m excited to see works begin next week, where – over the course of the next few months - we aim to bring to life the vision we shared last year; designs that respectfully nod to that rich history, while allowing us to look ahead to the city centre’s bright future.

“As well as bringing a fresh new look to the centre, it’s also our ambition that this investment improves both the look and feel of the whole city centre so that all shoppers feel safe and welcome, and that retailers – both in the centre and close by – see a positive impact. We would like to thank our shoppers and neighboring retailers for bearing with us during this period of disruption and we look forward to welcoming you through our new entrances, in style, very soon.”

For more information on Highcross, visit www.highcrossleicester.com. Or, you can stay up-to-date with the latest news and events through the centre’s social media channels, on TikTok, X, Instagram or Facebook.