Critics say bars have opened while community facilities have closed

The redevelopment is focused on the new Shires Shopping Centre extension and the High Cross Quarter.

But some campaigners have called for more leisure and community facilities in the city centre.

City council leader Ross Wilmott has said if Leicester is to flourish the improvements had to benefit everyone in the area.

The campaigners have pointed to the loss of a number of popular amenities, including St Margaret's swimming baths, Granby Halls roller skating rink, the Megabowl bowling alley, and several mainstream cinemas.

'Clear commitment'

Labour Councillor Mohammed Dawood said regeneration should focus on communities, not just city centre shopping and the new theatre.

"Not all people will want to go to the bars, not all people will want to go to the theatre," he said.

"It seems to me that it is a regeneration issue where we are looking at the city centre when we should be looking at the outskirts.

"If you want to regenerate communities then we have to take on board the communities that might feel neglected and alienated."

But Mr Wilmott said: "The Labour group made a clear manifesto commitment to establish a city development company.

"Not just the regeneration company that operates in the city centre but a company that brings the regeneration to the whole of Leicester - the outer estates as well as the inner city.