Leicester Square set for £18.5m revamp

[richard]

The centre of London's cinema land Leicester Square is set for a revamp that will see the iconic landmark get an £18.5m face-lift. By John van Straaten

The overhaul is part of Westminster City Council's efforts to turn it into a "world class" destination.

Key to the redesign is the installation of a 200-metre white granite "ribbon" seat allowing some of the 250,000 people who pass through the square each day to sit and relax and take in some of the surrounding historic sights.

The square currently plays host to 50 film premieres a year from Harry Potter to James Bond and is a favourite with Hollywood stars, notably Tom Cruise who regularly goes on long walkabouts meeting fans.

Many stars have had their handprints set in bronze and these adorn the pavement throughout the square.

Westminster council leader Sir Simon Milton said: "The redesign will add significantly more seating areas to the square - in fact, there will be more seating than any other square of its size in the country."

Sarah Porter, chief executive of Heart of London, said: "We want Leicester Square to be a place loved by Londoners, where you don't just pass through, but linger and enjoy what is a truly unique space in the heart of the capital."

The central square boasts four cinemas, with another two cinemas in side streets and one in Coventry Street. It is also home to some of the biggest names in media including XFM and Capital Radio.

The council will shortly begin the search for top architects to help design the scheme.

The consultation ends on 29 February, with implementation planned to start two months later. It is hoped to be completed by the end of 2010 in time for the 2012 Olympics.


Source
By John van Straaten
thisishertfordshire.co.uk