COVENTRY Council has moved to assure people its more than £400million its City Centre South project was still on track- despite the scheme facing its latest setback.
But the news was a stay of execution for several affected businesses and groups who will now be able to remain open over the Christmas holidays.
A spokesperson for the authority said the project has faced its latest delay following government changes to building regulations, meaning some of the buildings will need an extra stairwell.
Inflation challenges have also hit the ambitious plans, meaning developers Shearer Property Regeneration Limited is making some changes which will lead to a reserved matters planning application early next year.
The current timeline forecasts a reserved matters application for Phase One of the project will be submitted either next spring or summer.
The regeneration covers areas including Hertford Street, Market Way, City Arcade and Bull Yard and aims to create a vibrant new central quarter for Coventry over the next ten years.
However, several organisations in the area, including the TLB Showrooms arts space based at the former Litten Tree pub, are being forced to close their venues.
The showrooms, which were originally launched in 2021 to give local creatives a free space to exhibit their work, have been told they can now stay in the building with a free lease until at least March 31.
Alan Denyer, who runs the showrooms, said the extension was great news but added it was still not clear whether this would be the final date.
He added he should get more clarity on the situation in the new year.
The volunteers at the showrooms are still looking for a new long-term home to use after their current venue is demolished.
City Centre South will include around 1,500 new homes, including 20 per cent of affordable housing and socially rented accommodation.
Green spaces in the area will be developed, more trees planted and there will be new routes connecting the site to Coventry Market, the station and the rest of the city centre.
A council spokesperson said the project would redevelop a ‘key part of the city centre’, enhancing the quality of life for everyone living in and using the area and creating new shops, leisure and public spaces.
