UK: Leicester aparthotel The Gresham held a topping out ceremony on June 23.
The Gresham, a 121-room aparthotel, is set to open in the fall. The site of the aparthotel is in a grade-II listed Victorian building that has undergone a £17 million redevelopment by Aimrok Holdings, which was heavily supported by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise, also known as LLEP, and the Leicester City Council.
Among those honoured at the ceremony were LLEP’s director Larraine Boorman, along with other LLEP representatives, and Leicester’s mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby. Aimrok Holdings recognised the honourees as fundamental supporters of the project.
Guests were taken on a tour of the newly renovated facilities and were honoured with “topping-out” plaques by Aimrok directors, Snizhana Yesaulenko and Mark Copson.
Yesaulenko said: “Yesterday’s topping out was the perfect occasion for Aimrok Holdings to be able to formally thank both the LLEP and the City Council for the parts they have played in helping us to bring this beautiful old building back to life.”
LLEP loaned the project £4 million from its Growing Places Fund, a fund designed to support projects that will boost local employment and investment.
Boorman said: “I can’t wait to see The Gresham open later this year. This is the boost the area around Market Street needs, as it will refresh this part of Leicester city centre and increase footfall for local businesses…It’s a source of real pride and a testament to the skills we have right here on our doorstep that the work to restore The Gresham has been carried out by local businesses and local workers. The Gresham’s mixed-use facilities and modern, innovative business model will ensure that the benefits to our local economy here in Leicester and Leicestershire continue for many years to come.”
The Gresham is located on Market Street, an area that the Leicester City Council’s regeneration program has been targeting. This program aims to bring the local area back to the lively scene it has been in the past. The project received support from city council members in hopes that The Gresham will help bring the Market Street area back to life.
Soulsby said: “This historic building has been an important part of the city centre for more than 200 years, and it’s wonderful to see it being brought back to life in such a spectacular way. I am extremely impressed by the sensitive way Aimrok Holdings is transforming this Grade-II Listed building and very pleased to be supporting them. Combined with the regeneration of King Street that has already taken place, this development will put Market Street back on the map and will bring jobs and visitors that will be of benefit to the whole city centre.”
The Gresham, which itself will employ about 25 people, also has four commercial spaces located over the first floor and basement, which Aimrok is looking to fill. The businesses that fill these spaces will most likely contribute to the area’s regeneration as well.
Yesaulenko said: “We are delighted that The Gresham is making such a valuable contribution to the regeneration of the local area and is likewise becoming an integral part of the Leicester community.”
