University launches £14m conference centre plans
The University of Leicester has unveiled a £14m project to develop a Grade II-listed building into a residential conference venue. It is the third multimillion-pound venture that the university has announced its involvement in during the last two months.
Following proposals for a £30m medical teaching building and a cardiovascular research centre, valued at £12.6m, the university has revealed its intention to transform the five-acre former college hall site in Knighton.
The site has been out of use since 2005. Under new plans, it will be developed to comprise 117 en-suite bedrooms, a conference centre, dining facilities and a 150-seat lecture theatre.
Grant Charman, deputy director of estates at the university, said: "Redevelopment is not straight forward due to the listed building status, and we will work closely with the planners and English Heritage to bring the building back into use in a sympathetic way.
"The centre would take additional bookings such as weddings and other celebrations to supplement conferences and provide a valuable asset for community use. We have already held a public consultation exercise and have received positive written and verbal feedback."
Plans are due to be submitted at the end of May and, if they are approved, the development work would be completed in just over a year, said the university.
