Plans have been submitted to Leicester City Council to transform the site of a devastating city centre fire into student accommodation. The proposal for 2-4 Belgrave Gate would see a five-storey building constructed, featuring a retail unit on the ground floor and 23 student studios above.
Site History
The site previously housed the Beauty Queens Cosmetics store, which was destroyed by a rapidly-spreading fire in October 2023. Firefighters battled the blaze for over 36 hours, but investigators were ultimately unable to determine the cause. The cosmetics store has since relocated to the Haymarket Shopping Centre.
Planning Application Details
The applicant, BQC Properties Ltd, argues that the current site makes a "limited contribution" to the character and appearance of the surrounding neighbourhood. The development aims to address a shortage of student accommodation in the city, with planning documents citing a need for approximately 5,080 bedspaces across Leicester.
A target decision date of 13 October has been set by the council. The proposal will be considered by planning officers in the coming months.
