James Kirby began trading as a cow keeper in Chatham Street in 1861. By 1868 he had established Highfields Dairy with premises in Andover Street, in partnership with Mr West. Mr Frank Smith later bought the company from Mr West, Mr Kirby having retired earlier. The business was developed from 260 gallons daily in 1916 to 2500 in 1933. The Western Boulevard premises were acquired in 1934 and by 1960 17,000 gallons of milk were being processed and bottled daily. In 1980 a new Dairy was purpose built on Richard III Road, after the company had outgrown the Western Boulevard premises.
The old dairy was then split up as units, which included an antiques dealer and textiles recycling company. The building was sadly destroyed in 1997, when much of the area was ruined during Leicester City Challenge. Today the site is home to some very nondescript modern office buildings. The following photos were taken just prior to demolition, a little bit of old skool exploring stuff...
The old dairy was then split up as units, which included an antiques dealer and textiles recycling company. The building was sadly destroyed in 1997, when much of the area was ruined during Leicester City Challenge. Today the site is home to some very nondescript modern office buildings. The following photos were taken just prior to demolition, a little bit of old skool exploring stuff...
