University of Leicester – Main Campus

As part of a wider strategy to refurbish and enhance key spaces across the main University of Leicester campus, FPCR provided detailed urban and landscape design services to help improve the quality, accessibility and character of the public realm.

The works included sensitive enhancements to the spaces surrounding the listed Fielding Johnson Building, the revitalisation of the library approach and the design of an underground cycle park, helping to create a more cohesive, attractive and functional campus environment.

The £2.3million of public realm and landscape works has supported other major new building works that are transforming the main campus. One of the FPCR project`s has combined the revitalisation of the well-used library entrance area with the provision of an underground secure cycle park (accommodating over 300 cycles). This scheme represents an innovative approach to the accommodation of significant cycle parking where space is at a premium at the heart of the campus.

The proposals adopted a mix of high quality granite paving, steps and walls, bespoke seating units, stainless steel and glass balustrades, complimentary lighting, box headed trees and other furniture. It has also managed to address demanding access requirements and level changes without compromising the open setting and approach to the Library entrance.

The cycle park entrance is set below the library entrance and is accessed via steps from two directions, with wheeling channels included to allow easy movement of cycles to and from the entrance. Inside the facility, hydraulic two tier racks secure the majority of the bikes and maximise the overall capacity of the store.  Latest technology is being employed to operate and control the facility and includes proximity cards and CCTV.