Community Hub for
Wellbeing, Celebration and Heritage
Connect - Celebrate - Thrive
About the project
We are pleased to introduce the Community Hub in the heart of Leicester — an ambitious and unique project creating a welcoming space for wellbeing, celebration, and heritage.
Housed in the former HSBC bank, the Community Hub will rejuvenate and transform this Victorian landmark, originally built in 1874 by the renowned architect Joseph Goddard. The project seeks to honour the building’s historic character while adapting it to serve the needs of today’s community.
Construction work began in November after the project successfully raised over 60% of the required funding. Development is now actively underway, while we continue working with the community to raise the remaining funds needed to bring the full vision of the Hub to life. This project offers an opportunity to create something meaningful for Leicester — a place where culture, community, and timeless values can inspire future generations and give something lasting back to the city.
Join us in bringing this vision to life and help create a hub for everyone.
Project Progress
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Our Vision
A vibrant community hub at the heart of Leicester, bringing people together through culture, wellbeing, and shared experiences.
We are transforming this historic Victorian landmark into a vibrant Community Hub — creating welcoming spaces for cultural events, wellbeing activities, learning, and community gatherings in the heart of the city.
Preview of the future Community Hub: Grand Hall, Community Café, and Courtyard.
Mission
To deliver meaningful experiences to uplift and elevate the lives of Leicester's residents through wellness, celebrations, and connection with culture, heritage and personal growth.
By offering a wide range of wellbeing services, lifestyle improvement programmes, alongside spaces for cultural events, heritage and exhibitions, the hub aims to be the catalyst for positive change in the community, promoting a sense of belonging for all.
Grand Hall
The Grand Hall will be the flagship space of the Community Hub — a spacious and versatile venue designed for cultural events, community celebrations, concerts, educational programmes, and gatherings that bring people together.
Located in the heart of the city, this inspiring setting will host festivals, talks, exhibitions, and performances that celebrate culture, learning, and community life.
Community Café
The Community Café will offer a warm and welcoming environment where visitors can meet, relax, and connect in the heart of the city.
Located on the ground floor of the Hub, it will serve as a natural gathering place for residents, students, professionals, and visitors.
Courtyard
The Courtyard extends the Community Café outdoors, opening onto Town Hall Square with views of Leicester’s historic Town Hall and the iconic fountain. Covered to provide shelter from the elements, it will offer a welcoming open-air setting for conversation, small gatherings, and relaxed moments in the heart of the city.
Core Pillars of the Community Hub
The Community Hub is built around three pillars that support wellbeing, culture, and heritage in the heart of Leicester.
Wellbeing & Personal Growth
A welcoming space supporting physical and mental wellbeing for residents, students, and professionals in the heart of the city.
Programmes will include meditation and mindfulness sessions, yoga & lifestyle classes, healthy living seminars, and wellbeing retreats.
The Community Hub will also include a modern community kitchen, supporting initiatives that provide nutritious meals for people in need. With these expanded facilities, our free meal distribution will increase from around 40,000 meals each year to more than 80,000 meals annually.
Culture & Celebration
A vibrant venue for community gatherings, cultural festivals, performances, concerts, conferences, exhibitions, seminars, weddings, and other celebrations.
Set within a historic landmark, the Grand Hall will provide a distinctive setting where people can come together to share meaningful experiences and celebrate the richness of cultural life.
Heritage & Learning
A dedicated space celebrating the architectural legacy of Joseph Goddard, one of Leicester’s most significant Victorian architects.
The Hub will showcase Goddard’s iconic designs, including our own building, the Leicester Clock Tower, and other notable landmarks across the city.
Through exhibitions, guided tours, and educational programmes, visitors will be able to explore and appreciate Leicester’s architectural heritage.
The Hub will also host programmes through our College of Vedic Studies, offering opportunities to explore personal development and timeless knowledge and cultural traditions that support meaningful and balanced living.
Who the Hub Will Serve
The Community Hub is being created as a welcoming space for people from all walks of life in Leicester. Located in the heart of the city, it will serve a diverse range of visitors and community groups.
Young People & Students
A vibrant environment where young people and students can connect, explore new perspectives, and participate in cultural events, wellbeing programmes, and immersive experiences close to Leicester’s universities.
Residents
A welcoming place where people can gather, celebrate culture, and participate in activities that support wellbeing and community life.
Professionals
A place to pause from the pace of city life, connect with others, and participate in talks, seminars, and personal development programmes.
Families
A setting where families can enjoy cultural events, educational programmes, and celebrations in a historic and inspiring environment.
Visitors to Leicester
An opportunity to discover the city’s architectural heritage and experience a vibrant cultural hub in the historic heart of Leicester.
Project Phases
The development of the Community Hub is being delivered in two phases.
Phase One – Grand Hall & Event Spaces
The first phase focuses on completing the Grand Hall and its adjacent venues, creating a fully operational space for cultural events, celebrations, conferences, exhibitions, and community gatherings.
This phase is currently under construction and aims to open by Autumn 2026.
Phase Two – Community Café & Kitchen
The second phase will complete the ground floor and basement levels of the building.
This includes a Community Café on the ground floor and a modern community kitchen in the basement, along with volunteer facilities and supporting amenities.
These spaces will enable the Hub to expand its community service initiatives and hospitality services, including increasing our free meal distribution to those in need.
Phase Two is expected to be completed by Autumn 2027, bringing the full vision of the Community Hub to life.
Community Impact
The Community Hub will create lasting benefits for Leicester by supporting wellbeing, culture, and community connection in the heart of the city.
Positive Impact: Creating a welcoming and inclusive space that supports wellbeing, learning, and connection. Through our expanded community kitchen, the Hub will increase free meal distribution from around 40,000 meals per year to more than 80,000 meals annually
Cultural Enrichment: Celebrating and preserving architectural and cultural heritage for future generations. The Grand Hall and surrounding spaces will welcome thousands of visitors each year.
Community Development: Strengthening community pride, social connection, and a sense of belonging in the heart of Leicester for generations to come.
Support the Community Hub
The Community Hub is being brought to life through the generosity and support of individuals, families, businesses, and organisations who share a vision for Leicester’s future.
By supporting this project, you will help transform a historic landmark in the heart of the city into a vibrant space for wellbeing, culture, learning, and community connection.
Over 60% of the project funding has already been raised, and construction is now underway. Your support will help bring the full vision of the Hub to life.
Every contribution — helps create a welcoming place where residents, young people, students, families, and visitors can come together to connect, learn, celebrate, and grow.