A derelict pub which was a magnet for vandals has been transformed into a row of shops.
The arcade in Sturdee Road, Eyres Monsell, includes a supermarket and a fish and chip shop, and they will soon be joined by a pharmacy, a bookmakers and a charity shop.
Yesterday, deputy city mayor and Eyres Monsell ward councillor Rory Palmer cut the ribbon to officially open the arcade.
The shops stand on the site of the former Invincible pub, which shut in 2006.
Coun Palmer said the new shops, built by developer MF Strawson, were the first phase in brightening up the area.
He said: "I'm very pleased with it.
"After six years of hard work trying to make this happen through the economic recession, it's been terrific to see it take shape and I'm getting lots of positive feedback from residents."
People shopping at the arcade for the first time yesterday were mainly impressed.
Le-Anne Cullinan, 32, said: "I've been watching it being built and it's very nice to see it finished.
"I've just been to the Co-op supermarket for the first time and it's really nice inside.
"They've tided the area up a lot."
Stacey George, 23, who was shopping with three-year-old son, Isaac, said: "It's been a few years of waiting but it's really good.
"It looks much cleaner and newer and, hopefully, it will stay that way."
Ann Butler, 87, said: "The shops look very smart and it's about time we had something nice around here.
"We're fed up with the rubbish. The pub was an eyesore and a lot of trouble so we're glad to see it gone."
However, another pensioner, who did not want to be named, was not impressed by the shops.
When asked what she thought of them, she said: "Not much."
The next stage is to demolish the west wing of the 1950s Exchange shopping arcade, previously home to the old Co-op, and build houses. The council then intends to pull down the east wing and relocate the post office.
Coun Palmer said: "The plan now is to move forward with removing the Exchange and making the land available for housing.
"There are retail premises in the east wing with leases that are still running and they have a right to stay until their leases end.
"We have also ensured people we are determined to find a new home for the post office on the estate."
