The former Highfields Pentecostal Church could home 16 students
The former Universal Pentecostal Church on Evington St, Leicester.(Image: Google Streetview)
A former Leicester church could be redeveloped into student accommodation under newly-submitted plans.
An application has been lodged with Leicester City Council to convert the former Universal Pentecostal Church at 6–8 Evington Street, Highfields, into housing for 16 students.
Developer Cornerstone Property Management Ltd is proposing to redevelop the building into a mix of accommodation, including two student flats and two shared houses, alongside communal living areas, cycle storage and bin facilities.
Planning documents show the building, a former industrial terrace converted into a church in 2001, has been deemed surplus to requirements after the congregation outgrew the space.
The Universal Pentecostal Church has already secured permission to relocate to a larger site at 1 Sanvey Gate, with approval granted in April 2025. The new premises are expected to accommodate around 350 visitors, compared to a 250-person capacity at the Evington Street site.
Developers say the move leaves the existing building vacant and presents an opportunity to bring it back into use. Planning statements submitted with the application argue the scheme would help meet Leicester’s growing demand for student housing, with the city estimated to need thousands of additional student bedspaces over the coming years.
The site is located within walking distance of both University of Leicester and Leicester Railway Station, making it a “sustainable” location for student living, according to the applicant.
Evington Street in Leicester, the proposed site for new student digs.(Image: LDRS)
Neighbours were generally supportive of the proposals.
Mohammed Ullah, of Stoughton Street South, which backs onto the site, said he would have “no problem” living next to students and would like to see the “empty” site made “useful” again.
Meanwhile, a neighbour who didn’t want to give his name, felt the development would benefit the neighbourhood.
The taxi driver, who has lived on the estate for almost 40 years, said: “Its not like before. Not many people turn up at the church.
“At the end of the day, if the place is being used, it’s good for the building and good for the economy. Having more students around will keep me occupied.
“Late at night when students are passing round here some times they can drink too much or be noisy. Otherwise I don’t think there will be any issue.”
Under the proposals, the development would include a management plan aimed at reducing noise and anti-social behaviour.
No on-site car parking is proposed, but planning documents suggest the change of use could actually reduce parking demand compared to the church use, which previously attracted large congregations.
A decision on the application will be made by council planning officers, although it could be referred to councillors if enough objections are received.