Our building was designed by the great Victorian architect, Joseph Goddard. This roof restoration project will achieve the following:
• Community Services: our center attracts almost 30,000 people annually from very diverse backgrounds. We are planning to expand as a hub for business, cultural and social events and by doing so we are liberating this unique building for community use.
• Heritage: By repairing the roof we will be able to preserve the heritage value of this building. It will also give us the opportunity to showcase the invaluable works of Joseph Goddard to the public. Having consulted with the local community, Heritage Open Days, the local Civic and Victorian Societies, Historic England and other stakeholders, it is evident that there is real interest in the project
• Environmental: as part of our contribution to the environment, Photovoltaic glass will be replacing the old roof glass, generating electricity that will sustain the entire building with green energy.
What we'll deliver:
- Restore the roof,
- Preserve the building,
- Add green energy generating glass to the atrium,
- Re-open the community hub.
- Pop-Up exhibition of unseen work by Goddard. See photo gallery for details.
Why it's a great idea:
Our building was designed by the great Victorian architect, Joseph Goddard who also designed many of the most iconic buildings in Leicester around 150 years ago. This project will essentially help us to preserve an iconic piece of Victorian heritage in an environmentally friendly manner and further develop a social welfare cause. Social welfare is at the heart of what we do. Our centre attracts almost 30,000 people per year from all social, ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds. Our core activities have positively impacted many lives over the years and there is great interest in our heritage building and activities. Our project will set a unique example to others for promoting a cause that combines real social welfare work, preserving heritage and looking after the environment. This is a unique opportunity to contribute towards the lives of many for generations and preserving history.
Steps to get it done:
- Restore the roof,
- Preserve the building for another 150 years,
- Add green energy generating glass to the atrium,
- Create a vibrant community hub.
This upcoming vibrant community hub will be the place for business seminars, food festivals like the in Leicester very popular Vegetarian & Vegan celebrations, acoustic music concerts, indoor markets and a wide range of different 'pop up' events. Leicester College is already planning to hold their end of term Photo-Exhibition Tour in the building from mid April on wards and is eager to organize the same for their fashion department. The architectural students of Loughborough University wanting to have their exhibition take central stage, in what is one of the most iconic Victorian designs around. The building is unique in design, size, stature and would be that special place to hold your wedding ceremony or any other social event for that matter.