The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) and Leicester City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, were formally recognised by Aimrok Holdings as fundamental supporters of The Gresham, at a topping out ceremony on Wednesday (23rd June).
Both the LLEP and Leicester City Council have been integral to Aimrok’s £17 million redevelopment of the iconic Grade II-listed Victorian building in Market Street, now branded ‘The Gresham’.
City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby; LLEP Director, Larraine Boorman; and representatives from the LLEP were taken on a tour to see the progress of the renovations, culminating in the presentation of ‘topping out’ plaques by Aimrok Directors, Snizhana Yesaulenko and Mark Copson in recognition of the support of both parties.
Due to open in the Autumn as a high-end 121-room aparthotel with four commercial units, state-of-the-art office accommodation and meeting space, The Gresham is one of Leicester’s most high-profile developments that is certain to noticably enhance the immediate vicinity.
Larraine Boorman, said, “I can’t wait to see The Gresham open later this year. This is the boost the area around Market Street needs, as it will refresh this part of Leicester city centre and increase footfall for local businesses.
“The LLEP loaned the project £4 million from our Growing Places Fund (GPF) as we saw the immense potential in the plans for The Gresham. Our GPF loans are designed to boost projects that will have a significant impact on employment and investment in Leicester and Leicestershire, and The Gresham is a shining example of this.
“It’s a source of real pride and a testament to the skills we have right here on our doorstep that the work to restore The Gresham has been carried out by local businesses and local workers. The Gresham’s mixed-use facilities and modern, innovative business model will ensure that the benefits to our local economy here in Leicester and Leicestershire continue for many years to come.”
Coupled with Leicester City Council’s ongoing regeneration programme, The Gresham is already helping to transform and restore the Market Street and the surrounding area, bringing it back to the thriving scene in previous years. Furthermore, several vacant units in Market Street have recently been leased, with an art gallery and new hospitality venues due to open soon.
Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “This historic building has been an important part of the city centre for more than 200 years, and it’s wonderful to see it being brought back to life in such a spectacular way.
“I am extremely impressed by the sensitive way Aimrok Holdings is transforming this Grade ll Listed building and very pleased to be supporting them. Combined with the regeneration of King Street that has already taken place, this development will put Market Street back on the map and will bring jobs and visitors that will be of benefit to the whole city centre.”
Aimrok is similarly on the hunt for suitable tenants for the four premium, commercial / retail units located over the first floor and basement of The Gresham. Once occupied, these will certainly further boost the regeneration journey of the area.
Snizhana YesaulenkoSnizhana Yesaulenko, director at Aimrok Holdings, said, “Yesterday’s topping out was the perfect occasion for Aimrok Holdings to be able to formally thank both the LLEP and the City Council for the parts they have played in helping us to bring this beautiful old building back to life.
“We are delighted that The Gresham is making such a valuable contribution to the regeneration of the local area and is likewise becoming an integral part of the Leicester community.
“We would like to continue this momentum, starting with the imminent recruitment of some 25 new jobs in a variety of roles from housekeeping and night porters to duty managers and reception teams. We are looking for people with a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude, who want to be part of an outstanding team and proud to work in one of Leicester’s finest accommodation venues.”
