THE FIRST steps in the landmark £450m regeneration project which will transform Coventry city centre have been taken with the closure of an arcade.
Housebuilder The Hill Group and its commercial partner Shearer Property Group (SPG) are starting early preparatory works ahead of the first phase of development of City Centre South.
The preliminary works include the installation of hoarding at City Arcade, which is now closed, with no pedestrian access from Queen Victoria Street through to Shelton Square.
Andy Fancy of The Hill Group said: “We are delighted to be starting the early preparatory works at City Centre South as part of our commitment to the delivery of this transformative city centre development.
“The installation of hoardings will start with the closure of City Arcade, extending through the back of the market, Market Way, and parts of Hertford Street.
“Throughout this project, we are committed to ensuring that residents and visitors have continuous, convenient access to their favourite shops and destinations in the city, now and in the future.”
Coun Jim O’Boyle, Coventry City Council’s spokesperson for jobs, regeneration and climate change, said: “This is a really important step for City Centre South and it’s great that work will soon be starting on the ground.
“The new homes and shops will help to provide a new community in the city centre and this will help to ensure the area and the wider city is vibrant and busy.
“In the meantime – the rest of the city centre and the market of course, are open for business.”
Almost 1,000 homes have been given the green light in this first phase of City Centre South, including 200 affordable homes, along with space for shops, businesses, and public open space in a pedestrian-friendly quarter.
The new development, designed by acclaimed architects Allies and Morrison, introduces a contemporary style that takes its inspiration from Coventry’s heritage.
Five-minutes’ walk from Coventry train station, the development forms a major element of the wider masterplan for the regeneration of City Centre South.
Construction at City Centre South is scheduled to start in summer 2025, with the first homes expected to be completed in early 2027.
Visit www.coventrycitycentresouth.co.uk for more information. Visit https://tinyurl.com/2s4zzjym to access retailer support.
