ONE of Coventry’s oldest charities says a planning application will provide important new facilities – despite controversy over plans to also build giant student tower blocks on site.
Plans have been submitted for the Coventry Boys & Girls Club (CBGC) for an extensive development to Coventry City Council.
Its current club building, built in 1965 on Whitefriars Lane, will be replaced by a new purpose-built space on Whitefriars Street, just 100metres from the club’s current home.
The charity hopes the new site, split over three floors, will include a community cafe, a large sports hall, a media suite, two activities rooms and across the top floor, a dedicated boxing gym and dojo for Aikido.
The fully accessible building will also have parking for 21 cars.
The club’s current site will be redeveloped to provide 16 and 18-storey student accommodation for the growing number of young people choosing to study in Coventry.
This will include two residential blocks with approximately 400 rooms in each.
As we have reported, the council’s own conservation officer Chris Patrick had formally objected, as have some campaigners, residents and traders, on grounds of the towering student blocks overshadowing and being out-of-keeping with some of the city’s most important listed medieval buildings, including Whitefriars.
Other council officers have expressed concerns about highways and the environment, as have Coventry Airport and University Hospital bosses.
But the charity’s leader has claimed the regeneration has enabled the organisation to modernise.
Paul Williams, director and trustee of CBGC since 1978 says: “The club relies entirely on voluntary donations, membership and bookings to fund its work with local children and young people.
“A transformative project like this comes once in a club’s lifetime and our trustees are very excited about creating a space that can evolve to meet the changing needs of local children and young people.
“At a time when youth services across the city are disappearing, we want the club to be a beacon for universal provision.
“We welcome any child or young person who wants to have fun and make new friends; try different sports and creative activities; get practical help and support; and explore opportunities for education and employment.”
The CBGC runs youth sessions four nights a week offering a diverse range of activities including football, dance, cricket, dodgeball, hair and beauty and arts and crafts.
The partnership has also enabled CBGC to develop an active outreach programme working in communities including Canley, Manor Farm, Spon End, Stoke Aldermoor and Tile Hill.
The move will enable the club to further develop work with existing partners the Prince’s Trust, Positive Youth Foundation and Coventry University plus Club users including Vanny Radio, Mencap Wayfarer’s Group and New Horizon Church.
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs and regeneration and member for St Michael’s Ward said: “Coventry Boys & Girls Club has been committed to serving Coventry’s youngest residents for more than 80 years.
“It gives some of the city’s most disadvantaged local children and young people the chance to take part in sports, activities and trips that otherwise wouldn’t be available to them.
“I am delighted that, as part of the city’s regeneration, CBGC will have premises which reflect their ambitions to meet the growing challenges faced by all young people.”
The plans are set to go before the council’s planning committee on Thursday (March 15).
