Highcross Development

client: Hammerson

value: £27,000,000

The Highcross Development is a mixed-use urban regeneration scheme which combines a rejuvenated and extended Shires Shopping Centre with a new John Lewis store, restaurants, cinema, streets and public spaces. GLA were one of three architectural practices appointed to develop sections of the Highcross scheme within the Chapman Taylor Masterplan.

GLA designed three elements: the Landscaped Public Realm which includes two key spaces - St. Peter’s Square and the Old Grammar School Court, a Residential Building flanking the car park, and the Multi-Storey Car Park itself.

Multi-Storey Car Park

The 1900 space multi-storey car park is distinctively clad with a large scale pressed mesh of anodised aluminum; chosen for its perforated quality, its ability to work with the scale of the structure and also for the way it echoes woven fabric - an appropriate link to Leicester’s textile heritage. Arranged as overlapping layers, the mesh provides subtle visual interest as moire patterns emerge.

Vehicle ramps are clad in a contrasting solid sheet to screen car headlights from neighbouring residential buildings while also providing a sense of safety and enclosure. The main lobby is open and well lit to enhance observation and security, and a glazed bridge is seamlessly integrated in order to connect the car park with the John Lewis store.

Residential Building & Landscaped Public Realm

For more information and images please look in the residential section and public section of architecture projects.