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Welcome from the Friends of New Walk, Leicester

The Friends of New Walk were founded in 1994 as a registered charity for the preservation and enhancement of New Walk, Leicester. The Friends are business people, professionals, academics and citizens who work with the City Council and other local bodies and individuals to maintain and enhance New Walk for the benefit of both citizens and visitors. New Walk is now listed Grade 2 in the Register of Parks and Gardens of Historic Interest in England.

Our promotional film, click/tap the play button, or watch on Vimeo or YouTube (has subtitles).

New Walk

Established in 1785 and winding uphill southwards for about a kilometre, from Welford Place, New Walk bisected common land along the Via Devana, an old Roman road. New Walk is lined with buildings embracing many architectural styles and fronted by trees, open spaces, and the Victoria Park at its top. Through the efforts of the City Council, the public and the continuous dedication of the Friends, New Walk remains a jewel in Leicester’s crown. A flavour of New Walk can be seen on the eight minute film above.

Photograph of half way down New Walk Leicester showing the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery in the background partially covered by the greenery, and the pink twisted slab sculpture 'The Clothier' in the foreground on a bright sunny day
The middle of New Walk showing The Clothier sculpture and New Walk Museum and Art Gallery.

The Friends of New Walk

In August 1994, Leicester City Council announced a Capital Action Programme to upgrade the New Walk Conservation Area and called a public meeting to consider the initiatives proposed. It became clear that there was a need to form a voluntary association to monitor and comment on these and future planning proposals, as well as other developments affecting New Walk. Consequently in November 1994, three local residents consulted people living and working in the area and the decision was made to form the ‘Friends’. Although over the years the Friends have been re‑organised, the existing trustees still help to maintain the standards initially set out and to ensure that New Walk continues to be a unique and tranquil promenade on which to live and work.

Photograph of an up-close green and yellow leaf.

Photograph of an up-close yellow leaf.

Listed below are some of the activities that the Friends have been and are involved in, which could not be achieved without the continuous support of donors and the City Council:

  • The facilitation and funding body for the erection of public art on New Walk.
  • A key player on raising English Heritage Lottery Funding for the re‑erection of railings.
  • A catalyst to provide investment by the local community in New Walk.
  • A focus group for Leicester City Council in respect of issues concerning New Walk and the surrounding area.
  • Ensuring ongoing maintenance of New Walk as a pedestrian way.
  • Supporting residents and business living in harmony on New Walk.
  • An observer of planning issues; making representations, where necessary, in the interests of New Walk.
  • A contributor to licensing and public order/control issues affecting New Walk.
  • A supporter of art, music and creative events on New Walk.

The Friends are a committee of business people and residents who meet bi-monthly as a group, and monthly in specialist sub-committees. If you require further information, please contact us.

Photograph of an up-close red leaf.