Jupiter Hotels' Leicester property starts work on £1.5m restoration project

One of Leicester's "most prestigious hotels" is set to receive a five-month restoration following the city council's successful bid for a £1.5m heritage project.

Plans to revamp the Grade II-listed Grand hotel, owned by Jupiter Hotels, were first submitted in March 2022.

The major conservation project forms part of Historic England's High Street Heritage Action Zones and will apply to the shopfronts that line the Granby Street façade of the hotel.

The recessed doorways will also be fitted with iron gates, while the hotel's entrance will also undergo restoration works.

A £700,000 grant has been awarded to the cost of restoration, while the hotel owners also put forward £200,000 towards the project.

Andrew Pring, asset and investment director at Jupiter Hotels, said: "We are pleased to be working with both Historic England and Leicester City Council to restore the façade of the hotel on Granby Street close to the original design. This will be the first stage of further significant investment in the hotel, with plans to upgrade the internal areas of the hotel in 2024."

Councillor Adam Clarke, deputy city mayor of Leicester, added: "The Grand hotel is a fine example of Leicester's Victorian past and the city's rich architectural heritage. It is a local landmark and has long been considered one of Leicester's most prestigious hotels.

"With the support of Historic England, this investment will help to restore the building to its former glory, create a much more attractive street scene, and make the area feel safer and more welcoming to all."

Restoration works will be carried out by Leicester-backed Hickman & Smith Architects and specialist contractors Trinity. Gateley RJA were appointed as quantity surveyors.

Jupiter Hotels owns 31 hotels including Mercure, Holiday Inn and other independent properties.