Highcross sets a city spinning
Published: 30 September, 2008
Thousands of shoppers flocked to the highly-anticipated launch of Highcross Leicester last week when Hammerson and Hermes opened the 320,000-sq ft extension to the existing city centre scheme.
The day's events kicked off with a spectacular aerial dance display before the shops opened at 10.10am. The event programme continued throughout the day culminating in a grand finale which included a spectacular parade of sound, light and colour from the High Street to St Peter's Square followed by an illumination performance.
Chief executive of Hammerson John Richards opened the centre along with chief executive of Hermes Rupert Clarke and leader of Leicester City Council councillor Ross Willmott.
Describing the proud part they have played in the overall development Richards said: "Highcross Leicester is not just going to be a great place to shop, it's going to be a great place to live and a fantastic place to work. One of the most exciting things about this development is we really do make a difference to the local economy."
Addressing the crowd, Clarke added: "Seven years ago we had a vision to transform The Shires and the surrounding city centre into a modern shopping and leisure destination. Whilst our vision was ambitious and we committed hundreds of millions of pounds to transform that vision into a reality, I don't think any of us envisaged something as spectacular as you see before you this morning. This indicates a real transformation for an iconic focal point for the continued regeneration of Leicester."
