The £13.3 million project aims to convert the former factory buildings into a vibrant space that will enhance the city's cultural and economic vitality. During his visit, the City Mayor toured the site, met with members of the Henry Brothers team and observed the progress of the construction work.
Ian Taylor, Managing Director at Henry Brothers Construction, said: "We were honoured to have Sir Peter visit us on site at Pilot House. This is a significant project for the city of Leicester and one that Henry Brothers is proud to be involved with.
"At Henry Brothers, our mission is to deliver the best construction solution we possibly can for every client, every time, without fail. With this in mind, our works at Pilot House respect the heritage of the building while providing contemporary facilities that meet the needs of the community.
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"Henry Brothers is pleased to contribute to Leicester’s ongoing development and to support the city’s growth and innovation."
The Pilot House redevelopment will feature modern workspaces and a central business community hub, including a café, exhibition and event space, a reception area and outdoor working areas. The project is designed to establish a permanent base for creative and design businesses of various sizes in the city.
Supported by £8.6 million from the previous Government's Levelling Up Fund and an additional £4.7 million from the city council, the total investment in the £13.3 million scheme reflects a strong commitment to improving the city's business landscape.
City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "The redevelopment of Pilot House will transform a group of architecturally-significant heritage buildings into an important new creative hub for Leicester. Not only will it contribute to the wider regeneration of the Belvoir Street, Market Street and New Walk areas, and complement developments like the Gresham Building, it will also create hundreds of high quality new jobs.
"Our contractors, Henry Brothers, are preserving the buildings’ heritage features, while creating a functional and inviting contemporary space, and it is fantastic to see this transformation taking shape. I look forward to the completion of the project and seeing the positive impact this development will have on our city."
The five separate but interconnected buildings will be transformed into 60,000sqft of high-quality accommodation for start-up and growing businesses that will support more than 250 new jobs. When tenants move in starting summer 2025, they will discover meeting and conference facilities, a café and kitchen, a rear courtyard and a variety of workspaces, including a co-working lounge specifically designed for creative tech and digital businesses.
