£750k Grant To Restore Iconic Victorian Gothic Building In Leicester

A Grade II* listed building in Leicester is in line for a £750k grant to help save it from falling into disrepair, the City Council website reports. The former bank is currently the home of The ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), but the historic building is currently in a poor state of repair, and is on the Buildings at Risk register.

The landmark building was designed by the architect Joseph Goddard, and was constructed in 1874. The red brick and Portland stone exterior is matched by a beautiful interior, which is now threatened by a leaking roof. Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) have agreed to help finance the listed building restoration work.

Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke said: “Having visited this building to see the extent of the work needed, it was clear that the damage to the roof was far worse than anticipated, and the costs of repair higher than anyone first thought.”

He added: “Historic England have increased our grant to enable us to fund the work needed, rather than allowing further damage to be caused to this important local landmark. We have a duty to take care of the city’s historic buildings to ensure they are preserved for future generations to enjoy.”

The ISKCON have also raised £350k towards the cost of the repairs, which are due to begin shortly. The ceiling will be repaired with lime plaster, once the rotten roof timbers and Georgian glazing in the roof lantern have been replaced. Any materials that are still in reasonable condition will be reused to preserve the character of the building.

The elaborate interior also features pillars which are hand-carved with individual friezes, and each corbel stone is decorated with a different coat of arms, the ISKCON website explains. The clock in the banking hall was made by the same company that made Big Ben, Dent’s of Southwark, reflecting the past importance and status of this unique building.