Clarendon Park Historic Area Assessment

Clarendon Park area is situated in the south of Leicester City Centre and despite its size; it is one of the busiest areas outside of the city centre. Bordered by Welford Road in the West and London Road to the East it plays a key role in conjoining the city centre to the outer most parts. Geologically it is built upon the prehistoric red mudstone and ironstone that lies under most of the western half of Leicestershire and Rutland. Whilst Clarendon Park is a more recent addition to the City of Leicester’s suburbs, Leicester itself appeared over 2000 years ago during the Roman period.

 As with most suburbs of cities, there is always the risk of neglect or economic issues with the upkeep of buildings whether they are homes or commercial buildings. The aim of this assessment is to identify key buildings in Clarendon Park area, assess what condition they are in at present, whether they are run down and derelict or well looked after and of significant value; and evaluate which areas should be considered for conservation. It also important to consider, not just the quality of the buildings, but what their character and roles are in the local community.

Using methodologies constructed by establishments such as English Heritage the survey assesses the originality of the buildings, for instance whether the building still has its original windows and doors, or whether stonework is still intact from the time it was built. Some buildings may have been extensively changed, with removal of the historic remnants completely and installation of more modern features.  Alongside the originality of these buildings it is also important to consider the dates of them too. It is not just the older buildings that should be considered for conservation; even more recent buildings can be preserved if it still carries its original features and serves a specific purpose in the community. Lastly the survey will also attempt to identify the listed buildings, if any in Clarendon Park. The benefit of these listed buildings means that any proposals made in an attempt to preserve this area are strengthened by the knowledge that certain areas have already been recognised as unique and historically interesting by the English Heritage.  Once the Clarendon Park area is surveyed and the key area’s for consideration have been identified, then proposals can be made to put into action the conservation of that area. Also, alongside the proposal, there is also the option of running a website to keep the community involved and to encourage feedback.

The report is divided into four main components, containing a brief overview of the history of Clarendon Park and its development, followed by the methodology of the survey that has been carried out. It then follows on to evaluate the results of the survey carried out and to then conclude with a proposal of how Clarendon Park may be conserved. The main appendix includes all properties surveyed with examples of signage that could potentially be used in the area.