Court grants order to enable securing of Lee Circle car park

Leicester Magistrates Court has today granted an order that will allow Leicester City Council to secure the former NCP car park at Lee Circle, to prevent anti-social behaviour from taking place there.

The Closure Order was granted for a period of up to three months, after which the council can apply for an extension if needed.

The order means that anyone who does enter the building without the council’s or court’s permission – as set out on the order - could face a fine, imprisonment, or both.

Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "Despite many requests, neither NCP, or the owner of the building have made any attempt to secure it and prevent it from being a hazard to the public, and so the council has taken this action.

"Our safer communities team has spent some considerable time and effort in gathering the evidence needed to secure this order, so the court's decision today is very welcome.

"While we remain hopeful that an operator will still come forward to take over the car park, it's essential that the building is made safe and secure in the meantime, and the work needed to ensure this can now go ahead.

"We will of course be seeking to recover all of our costs for this work from those responsible for the building."

Work to board up all entrances and exits to the multi-storey building is already under way, and expected to be completed by Friday (5 June).

The city council had been working alongside Leicestershire Police to try to prevent ASB at the site.

Inspector Ryan Ludlam, commander for the Central Leicester Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA), said: “Leicestershire Police fully support the council’s action to secure this site, which has been linked to ongoing anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.

“This is a positive step in protecting the public and preventing further incidents while longer term solutions are put in place. We would continue to encourage our communities to report any such issues to us by calling 101 or visiting our website.”

Lee Circle is one of five car parks which closed when NCP went into administration. Three of these – Abbey Street, St Nicholas Circle and East Street - have been re-opened by Euro car parks. The Rutland Centre car park, which is located near to Curve theatre in the city’s cultural quarter, remains closed, and has been secured by its owners.

---

Leicester City Council News Published on Thursday, June 4, 2026