‘Raising the Roof’: Children hit the pavement to save the roof of iconic Leicester building
Sponsored walk in Town Hall Square, Leicester, this Sunday 23rd June, from 11am-1pm
Over 50 children from all over Leicestershire will be coming together this Sunday to raise money to restore the roof of ISKCON Leicester’s iconic building on Granby Street.
The children – many in fancy dress – will walk, run, skip and hop around the block 11 times to raise money for the campaign to save the roof, which is considered to be housing their future place of worship.
Historic England placed the former bank on its ‘buildings at risk’ register in 2010. In 2017 they said the condition of the roof has worsened significantly for the risk to be increased to ‘Poor’. This poses a serious threat of closure as the roof is in desperate need of repair at a cost of over £500,000 which must be raised urgently to save it from being permanently damaged.
Currently the campaign has raised £300,000, but there is a considerable way to go before work can begin.
Temple President, Pradyumna Das says: “I am deeply grateful to the children and their families for their commitment to preserve this jewel in the heart of our City. Unfortunately, the situation is dire and this building cannot see another winter. Though we have done some patchwork, the roof will not last. These children are making a valuable contribution for theirs, and this wonderful building’s future.”
The route of the walk begins at the building’s entrance on Granby Street, up Bishop Street, by Town Hall Square, down Horsefair Street, and back to the entrance on Granby Street.
ISKCON Leicester,
www.iskconleicester.org