The Highcross is one of a number of new builds in Leicester (notably the Curve theatre and the currently unbuilt new Phoenix Arts complex). It is an extension built onto the existing Shires shopping centre, doubling the size of the place and including many more car parking spaces. The Outside of the building is patterned with a swirling pattern, the context of which is said to be Leicester's history of fabric and hoisery manufacture. The workmanship is cringeworthy - you can see the builders' footprints in the dust of the glass ceiling around John Lewis! The shops inside are generic chain stores (albeit large ones), but it seems that now the shops around the edges of the town centre are shutting down. The highcross has been a vacuum for local business. If you're looking for designer and chain stores, it's perfect, but if you are looking for more individual clothing, get to the other shops in town before they shut down. There is also a very nice cinema, but tickets are highly priced, and you get tramps shouting to you as you make your way out.