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Artist’s impressions of how the revamped Leicester Square could look |
How tourism hotspot could be re-shaped
MULTI-MILLION pound plans to redevelop Leicester Square are out for consultation.
The £18.5 million scheme aims to transform the tourist hotspot into an outdoor venue for musical, theatrical and cultural performances by 2010.
The design includes a £200m white granite “ribbon” seat for some of the square’s 250,000 daily visitors.
Consultation ends on February 29 and work could start in March.
Sir Simon Milton, leader of Westminster City Council, said: “Leicester Square has been the home of popular entertainment for more than two centuries, and these plans will ensure it will continue to enthral the millions of visitors who visit it every year for generations to come.
“This is very much an area for the people, and we want visitors to be able to relax and enjoy the sights and the array of dining and entertainment on offer.”
Under the plans, the central gardens will be transformed, but some original features, including the Grade-II listed Shakespeare statue and fountain, will be retained.
The nine side streets that act as gateways into Leicester Square will also receive new lighting and plants, and the official ticket booth on the south terrace will be rebuilt. |
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