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There's nothing second best about new-look Silver Street

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The shine has returned to one of Leicester's historic shopping streets following a three-month refurbishment costing £300,000.

Silver Street – which links High Street to the cafes, boutiques and independent shops of The Lanes and St Martin's – has been given a new lease of life.

The project was not only completed on time, but came in £100,000 under budget.

It features a terra cotta-coloured asphalt road surface and a contrasting coloured pedestrian channel, replacing the previously raised kerb.

Etched granite paving now marks the entrances to the Malcolm Arcade, Royal Arcade and St Martin's Shopping Centre.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby met with traders and shoppers yesterday as part of an official opening celebrating the completion of the works.

"Silver Street links High Street with The Lanes and St Martin's Shopping Centre, but it's also a really attractive route through to the historical and architectural treasures in Cathedral Square and Guildhall Lane," Sir Peter said.

"This scheme complements the work that's already been done in Loseby Lane and Carts Lane and I'm delighted it's been completed in time for the opening of Silver Arcade."

Traders and shoppers have also welcomed the scheme.

Chris Cobbett-Rayment, assistant manager of The Globe public house, at 43 Silver Street, said: "We're very happy with how the street looks now.

"While work was under way, we did have some difficulties with our deliveries, but those problems were overcome."

Juliet Hooper, who has run Brides of Bond Street at 32 Silver Street for 20 years, is hoping that the new-look will lead to more passing trade.

"We're already noticing an increase in the numbers walking from the Clock Tower to the new Richard III exhibition, which is great for us," she said.

"I think it looks lovely – and somehow Silver Street looks twice as wide as it did before.

"The scheme seems to have opened up views of both the cathedral and the Clock Tower. It's made a huge difference and we're delighted."

Shopper Mike Smith, 40, from Barlestone, said: "I think it looks much better than it did – it's a definite improvement."

"For a big city, this part of Leicester's got a small market town feel that I really like."

Shauna Cooper, 20, of Westcotes, Leicester, said: "They've taken an old back alley street and brightened it up. It looks a lot more sophisticated and modern and goes nicely with the rest of the town centre."

The Silver Street refurbishment is part of Connecting Leicester – a programme of works to improve pedestrian links between historic buildings and heritage sites and the modern heart of the city.

There's nothing second best about new-look Silver Street


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