ISKCON's Heritage Bank Temple Project in Need

BY: TOM MACK

The condition of the building is now 'poor' according to English Heritage
[ Photo: Leicester Mercury ]

Apr 12, 2018 — LEICESTER, ENGLAND (MERCURY) —

Fears for grade II-listed former city bank which needs £500k of repairs. Former HSBC building dates back to 19th century

A landmark former bank in the city centre is in dire need of repairs, and people are being asked to help fund the work. The old HSBC building, in Granby Street, has been on English Heritage's list of buildings at risk since 2010, and now the organisation has warned that the roof is at risk of collapse.

The current owner is the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), and the building is home to the organisation's monks. ISKCON is aiming to raise half a million pounds to repair the structure.

The building is grade II-listed, which means the owner is required by law to look after it.

The bank was completed in 1872. The architect was Joseph Goddard, who also designed Leicester's Clock Tower.

Kirtan Fest - The International Society for Krishna Consciousness celebrates the acquisition
of the former HSBC Bank on Granby Street in Leicester city centre
[ Photo by Will Johnson / Leicester Mercury ]

A group called Friends of Goddard has offered to raise £100,000 of the half a million needed by urging people to 'buy' a tile for £10.

Pradip Gajjar, president of ISKCON Leicester, is calling on members of the public to support the appeal. He said: "Joseph Goddard's legacy is woven into the very fabric of Leicester, and we are honoured to be able to call this incredible building our home.

"However, it is under dire risk and threat of closure if we cannot come together to raise funds to replace the roof. I'm appealing to everyone to get behind our campaign and sponsor a slate today and help secure the future of this magnificent building."

Read the complete story here.