MP backs calls for naming ‘Vichai Circle’

Tuesday 09th April 2019 11:15 EDT
 
 

Leicester East MP Keith Vaz has given his backing to calls to rename a major roundabout in Belgrave after the late owner of Leicester City Football Club, and the establishment of a suitable landmark on it.

Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha died last year, but he would be celebrating his 61st birthday on Thursday 4thApril 2019. A statue of Khun Vichai is going to be erected at the King Power Stadium, however local residents and their local MP Keith Vaz have called for something to be named after him in the city.

Khun Vichai, the founder and CEO of King Power Duty Free, became owner of Leicester City in 2010, renaming the club’s ground the King Power Stadium. His tenure saw the club return to the Premier League in 2014, before their historic 2015-16 championship-winning season which captured the imagination of the world.

The proposal is that the major roundabout at the end of the Belgrave Road should be renamed from Belgrave Circle to Vichai Circle, with a suitable monument to be placed on it to remember the work that he had done for the city. Thousands of people will pass this tribute every day.

It has been suggested that part of the site should see the recreation of an English garden which was a favourite of the late owner. At his funeral in Bangkok, such a garden was recreated. Some residents have suggested that a possible landmark could be two giant elephants.

Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP, a long-standing supporter of the Foxes, said, “We are immensely proud of the contribution that Khun Vichai and his family have made to the city of Leicester, taking us to the very pinnacle of football. It is right that there should be a memorial to him at the King Power stadium. It is also important that local people in Leicester remember this very great man who did so much for the city.

“Residents have suggested that this gateway to Leicester from the Belgrave Road should be named after him. Some have suggested that we put on a couple of giant elephants with their trunks intertwined, signifying a special lucky memorial. I know from my many conversations with him that he believed elephants brought luck to the club, and putting them there on the circle that is to be named after him would be very special.

“It would also be very nice to recreate an English garden, because I know how much he loved the gardens of England.”

Mr. Vaz has written to the Mayor of Leicester Sir Peter Soulsby asking for the Council’s approval, and he has also informed the Football Club.


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