MORE people are visiting Coventry city centre.
New figures have revealed more than 5.4million people visited Coventry city centre in the first three months of the year, an 11.7 per cent increase on last year’s figures – but still less than pre-covid numbers.
Visitor numbers for March show a particularly strong 24.7 per cent increase from last year.
Experts say Coventry had carried an upwards trajectory after a busy festive season leading to positive returns for many of the city’s high street businesses.
They added the upward trend seemed the signal of both financial recovery and a positive future for the city.
The figures were released as part of Coventry’s latest City Metric report – and have delighted Coventry Business Improvement District (BID).
Joanne Glover, chief executive at Coventry BID, said: “It’s fabulous to see that footfall figures are trending in the right direction and we are working tirelessly with our partners to do everything we can do to keep moving positively forward.”
She added the historic downward trend in foot traffic post-Covid was a problem shared by city and town centres across the UK.
“In city centres all over the country there has been a major drop in footfall since the pandemic and we know there is a lot of hard work ahead to encourage more people back.
“The best way we can do that is by providing brilliant experiences but also making sure people feel safe, whether that is on a shopping trip or enjoying a night out.”
Coun Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for jobs, regeneration and climate change at the City Council, said Coventry was attempting to modernise and adapt to trends with ongoing development.
He said: “The way people use and enjoy city centres has changed – and that’s exactly why City Centre South, being delivered by The Hill Group, is so important.
“Online retail sales now account for 30 per cent of market share compared to 21.6 percent in 2019 – so this private sector investment to create a new residential community will help to future proof the city centre – which is good news for all.”
The city council has continually invested in making the city centre a safe place to spend – day or night – including the handing out of shopper safety items, crime prevention days and daily street patrols.
The city has supported delivery of the Best Bar None scheme, a user-friendly resource for identifying the most secure and reputable bars and pubs in the area.
