‘Iconic’ staircase in central Leicester at risk

A grand staircase in the center of Leicester is “at risk” and parts of the structure are deteriorating, Historic England has warned.

The staircase, known locally as the Rialto Bridge, is located outside the Corn Exchange on Market Place and is one of 21 locations added to the organisation’s At Risk Register 2024.

The Grade II listed site is at risk as rainwater runoff is causing the stairs’ thin stone cladding to deteriorate, Historic England said.

Leicester City Council, which owns the building and rents out the ground floor as a pub, said it has already appointed specialist surveyors to identify what work is needed to preserve it and bring it back into use.

The register, which was unveiled on Thursday, provides an annual snapshot of the health of historic buildings and sites in England to ensure they are preserved for the future.

There are a total of 470 entries on the register in the East Midlands this year, eight more than in 2023.

The council’s heritage champion, Su Barton, said: “The Corn Exchange is a much-loved and trusted landmark, an iconic image of the Market Square, which holds special memories for many local people.

“Repair and restoration arrangements have already been initiated and we are committed to starting work as soon as possible.”

The Corn Exchange dates back to 1851 and was designed by architect William Flint as a single-storey trading hall.

It was extended in 1855 by Frederick Webster Ordish with the addition of an extra floor to accommodate magistrates’ hearings, according to Historic England.

A council spokesperson said: “We regularly investigate and monitor historic structures to ensure safety and preserve their heritage.

“We hope to ensure that this site can be removed from the ‘risk register’ as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, the steps have been cordoned off to protect them, and we will be working closely with Historic England, exploring the funding options that might be open to us for ‘at risk’ buildings.”