Plans revealed for 1,000 new homes on Corah factory site

The former Corah Factory site on Burleys Way in Leicester city centre could undergo a major regeneration as part of proposals unveiled today by Cityregen Leicester and Galliford Try Investments.

The proposals, developed with Maber Architects from its Leicester office, could potentially deliver over 1,000 new homes with associated retail and leisure, and “significant” new public realm on one of the city’s most prominent brownfield sites. The plans are also set to deliver a pedestrian bridge connecting the site to Abbey Park and creating a new gateway link to the city centre.

The former Corah Factory site sits within the St Margaret’s area of Leicester and has been identified as an opportunity for regeneration within the City Council’s adopted Core Strategy, forming part of the Strategic Regeneration Area.

The plans will see the site’s industrial history retained and enhanced through the incorporation of key elements at the heart of the scheme, including the façade of the oldest building on site, a renewed legacy for the 1865 Corah Green as new public realm and a new waterside park setting for the factory chimneys to the rear of the site. The regeneration will create new pedestrian routes and open the site up to the public for the first time.

A spokesperson from the Corah team said: “Over many years this fantastic site has been brought from multiple ownerships back into single ownership so that it can be transformed and once again become an asset to the city.”

“Since the 1980s the site was sold and vacated in a piecemeal way, resulting in many of the buildings falling into disrepair and being subject to vandalism and arson attacks. Our proposals will deliver a scheme which will bring new life and vibrancy to this area of Leicester, allowing this site to truly punch its weight again.

“The regeneration of the Corah site has the potential to deliver a huge boost to Leicester and it is imperative that the masterplan realises the full potential of the opportunity. Inspired by the history and heritage we can create an exciting destination scheme which will transform this area of Leicester and make best use of a prominent brownfield site.

As well as delivering the new homes Leicester needs – alongside high-quality public realm and amenity – the proposals will act as a catalyst for future regeneration in this area, delivering millions of pounds of investment to the city.”

A consultation has now been launched on the proposals, ahead of a planning application being submitted later this year. Local people and businesses are being urged to engage with the proposals and submit feedback to help finalise the application.