Press Release
Rosemary's Plaque
Honouring the opening of what is now Fosse Park North
Visitors to Fosse Park may have noticed a special plaque located in Fosse Park North, next to the Barclays pod. This plaque commemorates an important moment in our history – the opening of what we now know today as Fosse Park North.
Installed in recognition of the site’s origins, the plaque marks a key milestone in the evolution of Fosse Park, celebrating both the people and the vision that helped shape one of the UK’s most successful out-of-town retail destinations.
A Quote from Rosemay Conley CBE DL
‘I remember 1990 was a very exciting time for me. Having been running my diet and fitness classes in Leicestershire since 1972, suddenly I hit the headlines with my Hip & Thigh Diet when it shot to fame having sold over a million copies in 1988. Then its sequel was published in 1989 and outsold the original! Suddenly my career had catapulted and I remember feeling so honoured to be asked to officially ‘Open’ Fosse Park in 1990. I have been a regular shopper in Fosse Park ever since and am amazed by the way it has grown into a flagship shopping centre it is today.'
From 1989 to today: a retail destination evolves
Fosse Park first opened in 1989, with just a small number of stores, including Marks & Spencer and British Home Stores.
At the time, it represented a bold new concept in shopping, offering a convenient, accessible retail experience just off Junction 21 of the M1.
Why this plaque matters
The Rosemary plaque serves as a lasting tribute to the opening of the original development on this site.
Next time you’re visiting, take a moment to find it and reflect on how the space around you has grown and changed over time.
Fosse's Other Heritage Plaques
The plaques don't stop with Rosemary's, read our article on two other hidden gems which honour the Roman influencer in Leicester and King Lear, the legendary founder of Leicester.
Take a trip down memory lane
To celebrate Fosse Park’s heritage, we’re also looking back at some brilliant archive imagery from years gone by.
Check out these vintage photos from the Leicester Mercury.
From familiar brands of decades past to the fashions and layouts of earlier years, the images show just how much has changed, and what has stayed the same.
Watch: Fosse Park through the years
Here's an original advert for Fosse Park, offering a nostalgic glimpse into how the destination was first presented to shoppers.