With
a population of 285,100 (2004 est.), Leicester is the largest
city in the East Midlands and the tenth largest in the country.
Leicester is also one of the oldest cities in England.
Its importance was recognised by the Romans and later by the
Danes, who used it as a strategic stronghold to control the
Midlands. Since then it has developed into a major commercial
and manufacturing centre, known better for the diversity of
its trade than for its dependence on a single industry.
It
is the traditional county town of Leicestershire,
and since 1997 has been a self-governing unitary
authority. It lies on the River Soar and is close
to the National Forest. Major industries in Leicester
today include food processing, hosiery, footwear,
knitwear, engineering, electronics, printing and plastics.
The
city centre is mainly Victorian with some later developments,
which have usually been integrated in smoothly.
The heart of the city centre is the Clock Tower, which
is at the heart of the vibrant pedestrian shopping centre.
Next to it are the historic markets and the very successful
Shires Shopping centre, which is currently undergoing
major extensions.
Photo shows Leicester city centre, looking towards the famous
clock tower - a favourite meeting place.
Leicester
has a large multi-ethnic population, mainly from the
Indian subcontinent. There are many Hindu temples, Sikh
gurdwaras and Muslim mosques around the city. The area
around Belgrave Road is known as the Golden Mile, and
contains many Indian restaurants, jewellery shops, and
other shops that make it a major visitor attraction.
Leicester's
state of the art theatre, Curve, designed by world renowned
architect Rafael Viñoly is based in the heart
of the new Cultural Quarter on Rutland Street. Curve
features two auditoria, one with 750 fixed seats while
a 350 seat auditorium will provide a versatile smaller
space. The stunning glass façade encloses a magnificent
open plan foyer with views onto the café, bars,
backstage area, and across the stage.
In
1990 Leicester was designated the UK's first
Environment City, and won the European Sustainable
City Award in 1996.At the
United Nations Earth Summit held in Rio, in
1992, Leicester's Environment City initiative
was praised as one of the world's top 12 local
environmental initiatives.
With
the opening of Highcross and continued investment, partnership
projects and innovative marketing campaigns, Leicester
has overcome the competition posed by other regional cities
and out of town shopping centres - Leicester is now one
of the top ten shopping destinations in the UK.
Leicester's
central shopping region boasts several different shopping
areas, as well as Europe's largest covered market and
many streets providing a wealth of different local and
national stores.
The city centre market has been in existence since 1300
A.D.
Photo
shows the newly opened Highcross shopping centre
Leicester
has a large multi-ethnic population, mainly from the
Indian subcontinent. There are many Hindu temples, Sikh
gurdwaras and Muslim mosques around the city. The area
around Belgrave Road is known as the Golden Mile, and
contains many Indian restaurants, jewellery shops, and
other shops that make it a major visitor attraction.
The sporting achievements
of the city are celebrated in this statue, photo above,
of a footballer, rugby player and cricketer, in Gallowtree
Gate in the city centre.
Leicester's cosmopolitan character means that there
is something spectacular happening in the city at most
times of the year.
From the old – an impressive collection of ancient
artifacts in the Museum
and Art Gallery on New Walk, to the new
- the award winning National
Space Centre. This is the UK's largest
attraction dedicated to space. From the minute you catch
sight of the Space Centre's futuristic Rocket Tower,
you'll be treated to hours of breathtaking discovery
and interactive fun.
