A campaign has been launched to try to preserve a historic college building as a seat of learning.
Leicester Civic Society has expressed "grave concern" at plans announced by the University of Leicester to withdraw from Vaughan College, which it runs, and transfer adult education courses to its main campus, from September.
The university has argued the move will give students better access to facilities closer to University Road.
However, the civic society, which acts as a heritage watchdog in the city, is set against the proposal and is urging people to get behind its campaign to save the college.
Chairman Stuart Bailey said: "We are extremely alarmed to learn of proposals by the university to close the Vaughan College building.
"The unique educational environment of the Vaughan College would be lost and this would be a major cultural loss to the city.
"The closure itself is, in our opinion, a wholly negative and retrogressive move."
Vaughan College has been in the centre of Leicester since 1862. It moved to its current location, which it shares with Jewry Wall museum, in 1967.
The building, designed by Trevor Dannatt, was purpose built for the college and is grade II-listed.
The university's adult education provision, offered through its Institute of Lifelong Learning, is split between Vaughan College site and the campus.
The civic society is also concerned at what the move would mean for the Jewry Wall museum, located next to Vaughan College.
Mr Bailey said: "The Jewry Wall museum is the only purpose-built museum in the city.
"We also understand Leicester museums and arts service is working with the Friends of Jewry Wall on refurbishment and redevelopment proposals for 2014."
However, the university said Jewry Wall would be unaffected by the move.
Mr Bailey has written to Professor Sir Robert Burgess, university vice-chancellor, and Professor Mark Thompson, manager of the transfer project, urging them to reconsider.
He is urging supporters to do the same.
A spokesperson for the university said: "We share the hope an appropriate future role for the building can be found.
"The university remains committed to adult education and will unify its provision of lifelong learning and adult education on its main campus from September."
To back the civic society campaign, visit:
www.leicestercivic society.org.uk/campaign