Leicester Grammar School, The Bishop of
Leicester and the Dean of Leicester Cathedral are delighted to announce
that they have concluded contractual negotiations, and the Diocese will
purchase the St Nicolas Building, adjacent to the Cathedral. The
Cathedral Square Development represents a major investment by the Church
of England in the regeneration of the city centre.
Leicester Grammar School and the Cathedral have been closely associated
since the school was created in 1981, and this association will continue
when the school moves to their new premises in September.
The buildings and the area in front of the school and Cathedral will
become a centre for outreach, to be enjoyed by the whole community, and
to provide valuable meeting spaces in the heart of the city. The
building will become a centre for community partnership, hospitality,
and expansion of the worship facilities offered by the diocese and
cathedral. This is an important opportunity to extend the work of the
Christian Church at the heart of the County and City.
The Bishop, the Rt Revd Tim Stevens, says: “I’m delighted it’s been
possible to secure this building as a centre for the diocese and the
cathedral. The hard work to transform it will soon begin!"
The Very Revd Vivienne Faull, Dean of the Cathedral, says this is an
exciting sign of new life and energy in this part of the city: "We look
forward immensely to developing these facilities for the whole of
Leicester and Leicestershire."
Mr Christopher King, Headmaster of the Grammar School, said: "The
Trustees of the Grammar School are delighted that the building has been
purchased by the Diocese. The building holds many affectionate memories
for those educated there, and we are pleased that the Cathedral’s plans
confirm the links between the buildings."
The purchase is to be funded principally by generous donations, and in
the future will be self financing. It was agreed some time ago that
there will be no call on the finances from local parishes, known as the
‘parish share’.
Ends
Further information: Liz Jepson 0116 2487402 Mobile: 07966 288731
e-mail: liz.jepson@leccofe.org
