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By Princess Eugene Majuru

Leicester is facing a growing challenge that could reshape its city centre for years to come. Four major NCP car parks, including those at Lee Circle and The Curve, are scheduled for closure, sparking concerns among shoppers, business owners, and city planners alike.

For many, the closures are the latest sign of a broader decline in Leicester’s retail and commercial vibrancy. In recent years, several high-profile shops and local businesses have closed, leaving empty units scattered across the city centre. Footfall has dropped sharply, and the once-bustling streets now feel quieter, with shoppers increasingly opting to visit other cities with more accessible and affordable options. A key deterrent has been parking. Leicester’s car park fees are noticeably higher than in comparable cities, discouraging potential visitors from driving into the city centre. With limited incentives to shop locally—no discounts, promotions, or rewards for visitors—there is little to draw people back. For families or older shoppers, the high cost of parking, coupled with the difficulty of navigating a pedestrian-heavy city centre, is enough to keep them away.

Urban planning decisions have also contributed to the city’s struggles. Certain areas have an excess of pedestrian zones, requiring shoppers to walk long distances to access multiple shops. While pedestrianisation can enhance the shopping experience in principle, in Leicester it has created practical obstacles for everyday visitors. These challenges, combined with poorly maintained car parks and sporadic investment in retail infrastructure, make it difficult for shopkeepers to sustain their businesses.

“The closures are just the tip of the iceberg,” said one local retailer who wished to remain anonymous. “Without affordable parking and better planning, we can’t expect foot traffic to improve. People go where it’s convenient, and right now, Leicester isn’t.”

City officials have acknowledged the problem but have yet to announce concrete measures to address declining retail activity. With four more NCP car parks set to close, there is growing concern that the city’s commercial heart could weaken further, leaving a legacy of empty streets and shuttered shops. The challenge for Leicester now is twofold: to rethink its urban planning strategy in a way that balances pedestrian spaces with accessibility, and to create incentives that encourage people to return to the city centre. Without action, the city risks becoming a cautionary tale of retail decline, exacerbated by high costs, poor planning, and limited options for everyday visitors.

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