By Maya Zamman
Plans have been drawn up to demolish parts of Leicester’s iconic Odeon Arcade to make way for flats but the scheme is worrying shop owners and businesses.
The Odeon Arcade first opened in 1924 and was originally the city cinema which closed in 1970 due to the rise in popularity of television, before later being converted into a shopping arcade.
It is a popular location for local residents and is loved within the community, especially for the shopkeepers whose stores are based in the building.
The planning application lodged with Leicester City Council indicates a partial demolition of the arcade but wants the Odeon Arcade sign to be kept as part of the façade of the building in Market Place.
The scheme involves construction of a five-storey building behind the retained façade to create 13 retail units on the ground and part basement floors, plus 39 residential flats on the first, second, third, fourth and fifth floors.
Planning documents say: “It is set to be retained, repaired, and refurbished due to its positive contribution to the conservation area.
“On the elevation, windows are to be repaired and repainted; slate mansard roofing is to be reinstated; and metal framed glazed doors are to feature on the inset balconies with painted metal balustrades.”
However, the proposal to partly demolish the arcade is distressing some shopkeepers who are worried their businesses may shut permanently.
The owner of PommyGranit, Mr Bhandaari, 73, who has run his shop for decades, is worried about the issue.
As he lives in Evington and has to catch the bus to work everyday, he is determined to embrace his unique shop that sells gothic and emo clothing and accessories since there are only two of their kind in the whole of Leicester.
He said he fears the place is becoming a more residential area and thinks that there is no need for more flats since there are many already within Leicester city.
He fears his lifelong business will be affected after such a prolonged period of time and said: “Everything will be affected, my job, finance and everything I worked for.”
Having loyal customers for years and not being able to serve them anymore would be a disheartening experience and is a worrying thought for Mr Bhandaari.
For more information you can visit, https://planning.leicester.gov.uk.
