The owners of Carillon Court, a shopping center in Loughborough, Leicestershire, are preparing to submit a planning application for a £70 million redevelopment. The proposal aims to convert a portion of the site into student accommodation, as the center struggles with an increasing number of vacant shops.
Carillon Court has been facing significant retail decline, with empty storefronts now outnumbering those in operation by nearly two-to-one. In response, Leicester Commercial Ltd, which acquired the center in 2021, hopes to breathe new life into the property by repurposing part of it for housing, while maintaining a “significant” portion of the center for retail purposes.
A spokesperson for the company explained that this decision was necessary to keep the site financially viable. With the rise of empty shops across the country, particularly in high-street locations, reducing the number of commercial units at Carillon Court is seen as a way to improve the shopping experience for visitors.
Additionally, the company envisions that the introduction of purpose-built student housing will help draw students away from traditional terraced housing, offering them a modern and more convenient living option.
The proposed changes have sparked a range of reactions from local residents. Some, like Tracey Hounsome from Shepshed, are upset by the center’s decline and have started a petition to save it. Hounsome reflected on how Carillon Court used to be a central hub for the community, with a bustling atmosphere and a variety of shops. She hopes that by coming together, residents can change the future of the shopping center.
On the other hand, some Loughborough residents are less enthusiastic about the idea of student housing in the heart of town. Roy Penney, a long-time Loughborough resident, reminisced about the center’s heyday and expressed concerns about the potential impact of student accommodation on the town’s atmosphere. “It’s like a ghost town now,” he said. “I don’t mind students, but not in the middle of town.”
Charnwood Borough Council, which oversees the planning process, emphasized that any proposals would be evaluated based on planning policy. A spokesperson for the council added that they share concerns about vacant units in the center and are eager to hear more from the owners about their plans for Carillon Court’s future.
Source: BBC News
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