Vacant Leicester car showroom to become supermarket and cafe

A long-empty car showroom in Leicester will be transformed into a supermarket with a café after planning permission was granted following our support.

Works will soon commence to transform the site at 289 Blackbird Road, which has been vacant for more than a year, into a vibrant retail space.

The scheme, developed by technical director Umesh Mistry at Design Studio Architects, will involve extensive renovations, including extensions to the front and back of the building to accommodate an entrance lobby, a storage area and a servicing bay.

Plans also include replacing windows, repairing the existing façade to create an appealing storefront, extensive landscaping and increasing parking capacity from 15 to 57 spaces.

In total, the project is expected to create 48 full-time equivalent jobs, spanning roles such as shop workers, delivery drivers, cleaners and security staff. Sachin Parmar, planning director at Marrons, who led the planning application, said: “This scheme is a fantastic example of how we can breathe new life into an under-utilised space.

“By transforming this vacant car showroom into a supermarket and café, we’re optimising the use of the site’s highly accessible location, while also creating something that will directly benefit local residents.

“The supermarket will increase consumer choice, making everyday goods more accessible and convenient for people within walking distance, while the café will offer a welcoming space for social gatherings and community events.

“Beyond its social impact, the project will bring a wave of new job opportunities, boost the local economy and contribute to the ongoing regeneration of the area.

“We’re excited about the positive ripple effects this development will have for Leicester and the surrounding neighbourhoods.” To supplement the planning application, Simon Macklen, director of economics, completed an economic statement, which detailed the financial uplift the project will bring to the area, and Matthew Roe, principal planner, developed a retail impact assessment to demonstrate the benefits of the supermarket.

Transport consultancy was provided by Magna Transport Planning, led by founder and managing director Amol Pisal, who prepared a comprehensive transport assessment to robustly demonstrate that the proposed development could be accommodated without adverse impacts on the local road network, while also providing solutions to improve the site’s accessibility and connectivity for all users.