We asked readers to suggest what they think should replace New Walk Centre, in Leicester, which is due to be demolished.
Developers were asked to submit their expressions of interest in Leicester City Council's crumbling New Walk Centre site, and we wanted to know what readers' would like to see at the prime city centre location.
The respones were many and varied - thank you to everyone who replied.
Tiernan Welch was one of several people who would welcome the site being used for leisure and entertainment.
"Bars and restaurants would be great - right at the bottom of New Walk and near the centre. Perhaps a lovely water feature or fountain too? Somewhere to have a market and ice rink at Christmas - so many possibilities."
As did Lee Clark, who suggested: " We need an arena so we can compete with the NIA and other venues in the Midlands this we can attract big name acts, this should have happened before building the Curve."
Another reader, Samyurai, was also looking to combine homes with arts and retail facilities. They said: "How about a gallery, units for creative retail business, nice cafes, some public art, with eco-friendly affordable housing for key service professionals above the shops? Great opportunity to make an innovative and aesthetically interesting architectural statement."
Other ideas included: • "A proper city hall. Glass, domed and purpose built. Functional but letting light through to illuminate the buildings on New Walk. Along side this a modern communal park to further brighten the area. A quick fix up of the top of Welford Road and the removal of all those little barriers on the crossings replaced with a Oxford-style crossing would make the area feel much more welcoming." – James.• "I would like to see a mixed use site there similar to Brindley Place in Birmingham. Thought out mix of business premises, restaurants and leisure premises all built around a well designed plaza. – Lee.• "I would like to see somewhere council-funded like a leisure complex as people who live and work in town have no real swimming etc facilities. People who live in town are not just "Townies" there are families too now." – Keeley Hollingsworth • "Leisure centre," – Debra Heighton. • "A development similar to the Cornerhouse in Nottingham - restaurants and bars etc. – Mark Thorley.• "Restaurant, bar and leisure piazza."– Jonathan.• "What I'd love to see here, Is a nice hotel with leisure areas, child friendly area like a little playground :) would be awesome!" – Toby Cox• "An indoor arena."– D james• " Leicester badly needs an arena to attract big name artistes and major shows. Maybe an ice skating/roller skating rink could be fitted in on this site."– Nigel Brooks.• "We really need something for leisure on this site. An ice rink, bowling, a music venue. This is what Leicester needs more than anything else." – Alex• "A sports arena would be nice. Some type of replacement for Granby Halls & St Margaret's baths all in one. It's a small site & would be a tight fit, but it could be built upward with parking on lower levels."– Sheeple. • "Why not take this chance & put a giant tower as in Venice/spire like in Dublin/tower as in Paris etc with viewing gallery/restaurant-bar something we can all be proud of & will attract tourists for years & years to come. Surrounded by trees/seats/walkways etc this is a chance in a life time for Leicester to put itself on the tourist map come on SPS we don't need any more flats or offices go for it!!" – muxloe6• "Please.... No more student flats for DMU .
A city centre leisure complex would be good including..
a) Ice rink to compete with Nottingham
b) Exhibition hall to replace Granby Halls (lets bring back the home life exhibition)
c) Bowling ally to compete with the one at Meridian.
d) Crèche for shoppers children." – Rodders65
Meanwhile, a car park was also popular with some people including Tanya Gibbins. She said: "Probably a car park to ease up the Narborough Road/Saffron Lane area on match days."
And Jibo liked the idea of putting the land over to parking: "A free car-park ? OK, so not realistic. But how about a cheap car-park - £1 for 2 hours, £2 for 4 hours."
Jim wanted the return of a velodrome: "To replace Saffron Lane and the one at Beaumont Leys that never got built."
Meanwhile, Andrew wanted: "Lots and lots of trees."
Anon fancied a skyscraper! And Antom would like to see "a replica of the car park they found Richard III in".
And a few people were happy with nothing!
Thank you again for the suggestions.
SEE ALSO: • MIPIM: Leicestershire attracts attention of international financier • Bid to find buyer for council's HQ • Leicester City Council set to spend £800,000 refitting Poundstretcher store
