Our CREATE team played a key role in the development of the Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester—a project that not only celebrates one of England’s most intriguing historical figures but is also a catalyst for economic growth and a symbol of Leicester’s rich heritage.

Focus were appointed to provide a comprehensive Business Plan for the ‘Return of the King: Richard III at Leicester’, which would serve as a critical framework to the development of the Visitor Centre by providing a detailed analysis of the strategic and socio-economic context. We evaluated similar sites and proposed five development options, laying the groundwork for what would become a major cultural and economic asset for Leicester.

Our scope of work also included provision of an Economic Impact Assessment of the discovery of Richard III on Leicester’s tourism and economy. This included assessing visitor numbers since the discovery and measuring the benefits of the temporary Guildhall exhibition, re-internment at Leicester Cathedral and construction of the Visitor Centre on other local attractions.

Heather Frecklington, lead Partner for the CREATE team shares why this is one of her project highlights, “We have worked in Leicester since the very early days of Focus and the discovery of Richard III was such an exciting time for a city we have a lot of affection for.  Our work helped to articulate the impact of the discovery from a wide range of perspectives such as heritage, tourism, profile of the city, academia and sense of pride in the city.  It was a great time to be working in Leicester.”

To find out how our Economic Development services can give you the confidence to invest in your projects and how to get started in realising you vision visit our services page here – https://www.focus-consultants.com/services/create/economic-development/