The Legacy of 31 Granby Street:
A Journey Through Time
A Rich History Unveiled
31 Granby Street, a distinguished Grade II* listed building, stands as a beacon of Leicester's rich Victorian architectural heritage. Originally serving as the headquarters for the Leicestershire Banking Company, the building was erected during a period marked by a stylistic clash between classic and gothic designs. Joseph Goddard, an architect who played a pivotal role in introducing Victorian gothic architecture to Leicester, won the design competition for the new bank headquarters in the early 1870s. The building, which opened for business in 1874, stood as a bold statement of architectural innovation, marking a new chapter in Leicester's commercial and cultural landscape.
The Exterior: A Victorian Gothic Masterpiece
The Granby Street façade of the building is particularly striking, featuring three tall, decorated windows that are adorned with stained glass, meticulously restored with the help of a Heritage Lottery Fund grant. This frontage, executed in red brick and Portland stone, with its French pavilion roofs and a corner porch topped by a six-panel bow window, captures the essence of Goddard's gothic revival style. The bow window, once the manager's office, offers a splendid view of Granby Street, symbolizing the building's historical significance and architectural beauty.
Inside the Architectural Gem
Stepping inside 31 Granby Street, one is greeted by an interior that is a masterpiece of design. The banking hall's mock hammer beam roof structure, supporting a large central lantern, gives the building an imposing atmosphere, reflective of the bank's former status. The intricate details, from the corbels decorated with heraldic shields to the arcade piers with individual capitals carved by Samuel Barfield, echo the craftsmanship and artistry that define Leicester's architectural heritage. The presence of a clock by Dents of Southwark, who also made Big Ben, adds to the hall's historical richness.
Preserving a Legacy: ISKCON's Stewardship
The building's legacy has been preserved by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Leicester. After the building no longer served HSBC, ISKCON, with the support of its members, acquired this Grade II* listed building, embarking on a mission to restore and repurpose it as a spiritual centre and a community hub. Over the years, ISKCON has undertaken renovations, a refurbishment of the first floor to house a temple and classrooms and second floors to house living accommodations and over 1 million worth project (significantly supported by Historic England, which contributed £750k) to fully renovate its roof.
Envisioning the Future: a Community Hub
Under the stewardship of ISKCON Leicester, the Grade II* listed building at 31 Granby Street is set to embark on its most ambitious phase yet. The planned community hub on the ground floor is a testament to the building's enduring legacy and its high potential to foster community spirit and cultural enrichment. This hub will be designed to be a beacon of wellbeing, celebration, and heritage, creating a space where the community can come together to engage, learn, and grow.
By dedicating this space to these purposes, ISKCON Leicester aims not only to enhance the social and cultural fabric of the city but also to honour and showcase the architectural expertise of Joseph Goddard. His visionary work, which has left an indelible mark on Leicester's Victorian gothic landscape, will be celebrated and preserved for future generations to appreciate. In doing so, the hub will serve as a living museum, a celebration venue, and a vibrant community centre, all woven into the fabric of Leicester's rich heritage.
Through this initiative, 31 Granby Street will continue to be a symbol of Leicester's resilience and innovation, bridging the past and the future. As ISKCON Leicester moves forward with its plans, the community hub promises to be a place where the legacy of architectural excellence and community service lives on, enriching lives and inspiring those who walk through its doors.
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