Highcross
Shopping Center | Leicester | England | United Kingdom
Largest shopping center in Leicester
The Highcross Shopping Centre in Leicester, England, is one of the largest and most significant shopping centers in the East Midlands and a central part of Leicester's city center. It originally opened in 1991 as "The Shires" to complement the already existing Haymarket Shopping Centre. The center was built on a central site, preserving parts of the historical facades of demolished buildings, and the new constructions were designed in a neo-Victorian style reminiscent of 19th-century architecture. An initial expansion occurred in 1994, adding a new facade facing Church Gate. However, the most significant change came in 2008 when a comprehensive expansion doubled the size of the center and reopened it under the name "Highcross Leicester." This expansion cost £350 million and was the largest regeneration project in the city in many years. With a retail space of approximately 110,000 square meters, Highcross is now considered the largest shopping center in the East Midlands and attracts millions of visitors each year.
Leisure activities at Highcross Shopping Centre
Highcross houses over 100 stores offering a wide range of retail options. Key anchor tenants include the department store John Lewis & Partners, which moved in during the 2008 expansion, as well as other major brands like Zara, H&M, Next, and River Island. The center features both high street brands and premium labels such as Hugo Boss, Lacoste, AllSaints, and Levi's, as well as technology stores like the Apple Store. This variety makes it attractive to diverse shopper demographics, from fashion-conscious consumers to tech enthusiasts. The 2008 expansion also brought in new tenants like G-Star and Reiss, along with a flagship store for JD Sports, further diversifying the offerings. In addition to the major chains, there are smaller, independent shops that add an extra dimension to the center.
Restaurants and cafes in Highcross
Beyond shopping, Highcross is also a leisure and dining destination. It boasts more than 40 restaurants and cafés offering a wide culinary selection – from fast food options like McDonald's and Five Guys to international cuisine at Nando’s and Coast to Coast, as well as upscale choices like Carluccio’s. The outdoor food area, St Peter's Square, is particularly popular for its lively atmosphere and variety. Another highlight is the Showcase Cinema de Lux with 12 screens, including an XPLUS screen, which holds a unique position in Leicester's leisure offerings as the only multiplex cinema in the city center. Additionally, in recent years, leisure facilities such as Treetop Adventure Golf and Social Climbing, an indoor bouldering center, have been incorporated, making the center attractive for families and activity seekers.
Architecture of Highcross shopping center
The architecture of Highcross is remarkable, blending modern elements with historical references. The 2008 expansion was designed by the architectural firm Foreign Office Architects, responsible for the John Lewis building and the cinema. The cinema features a lightly undulating stainless steel facade, while the John Lewis building showcases two layers of glass with a swirl pattern from the company's archives, allowing light in while obscuring the view inside – a homage to Leicester's past as a textile city. A glass bridge connects the center to a new 2,000-space car park beyond the ring road, replacing a former parking area. Two new public squares and a bus station were also created to enhance integration into the city.
Shopping and entertainment in Leicester
Highcross is excellently accessible, with two large car parks offering over 3,000 spaces and good public transport links, including bus and tram services. Its location in the heart of Leicester, near the historic High Street, makes it accessible to both locals and visitors from the region. The center is also conveniently situated near the motorway and is just about an hour by train from London, increasing its appeal for day-trippers.
Throughout its history, Highcross has undergone several changes. From 2013 to 2020, it was known as "Intu Highcross Leicester" after Intu Properties took over management. Following Intu's bankruptcy in 2020, it was renamed back to "Highcross Leicester" and is now managed by Hammerson, one of the main owners. The 2008 expansion opened on September 4, attracting over 125,000 visitors on its first day and over a million in the first two weeks, highlighting its tremendous appeal. A curious anecdote is the naming dispute of 2007 when a local witch coven protested against the originally planned name "Highcross Quarter" as it refers to an important point in the Wicca calendar. Hammerson subsequently changed the name to avoid conflict and clarify the center's positioning.
