Leicester Station

The challenge

Leicester City Council is leading a major redevelopment of the Grade II listed Leicester Station, alongside significant new public realm. The ambition is to create a station that is more accessible, higher capacity and more sustainable, while respecting and celebrating its historic significance.

The proposals include a new entrance, improved public spaces and landscaping, relocation of the taxi rank and works to reveal historic features that have been hidden over time. Delivering these improvements within a constrained urban environment, and within the heritage framework attached to a listed building, requires sensitive design, careful stakeholder management and a clear consents strategy.

What we did

SLC Property is advising Leicester City Council on planning, heritage, rail and regulatory consents, as well as stakeholder and public engagement.

We provided detailed advice on the implications of the station’s listed status and its location relative to the city centre, and worked closely with Network Rail to understand what development rights are available on the site. We engaged with the Local Planning Authority at pre-application stage to inform the design process, including consideration of renewable energy measures, and ensured work progressed in line with Network Rail’s PACE delivery framework.

Our team is preparing and submitting applications for planning permission and listed building consent, managing supporting technical consultants and leading the determination process. We are also coordinating stakeholder and community engagement to build understanding and support for the proposals.

Alongside this, we continue to advise on the rail regulatory consents required to ensure the scheme progresses smoothly through design and delivery.

Why it worked

A heritage-led planning approach, combined with early engagement with planners, highways officers and Network Rail, has helped shape proposals that respect the station’s historic character while enabling modern, future-ready improvements.

By aligning planning, heritage and rail regulatory considerations from the outset, risks have been identified early, conversations have been collaborative and the design has evolved in a way that balances operational needs, heritage value and public benefit.