WORK is underway on an initial phase of the new multimillion pound Bishop Gate student accommodation scheme.
Developed by Coventry University and Barberry Developments, the site under construction is the former venue of the Royal Mail sorting office.
It is being transformed into three accommodation blocks for more than 700 students as part of the university’s £60million project.
An option for a second phase, two further blocks, is currently being reviewed.
Two shop units facing out onto Tower Street will be accessible to the public as part of a wider ground floor complex encompassing social spaces and support services for students.
It is anticipated that work will be completed by August 2018, ready for new students starting at the University in September 2018 to move in.
Last October, a public consultation was held to seek views and feedback on the plans from residents of the city – something which Rob Tallis, director of estate development at Coventry University, said was a useful exercise.
He added: “The public consultation gave us an opportunity to take on board much of the feedback we received from the people of Coventry.
“That resulted in some minor changes to the plans – namely some design tweaks to soften the impact of the buildings on the skyline.
“It’s great to finally kick start work on the site, and it won’t be long before we start to see the new complex taking shape in a part of the city that will really benefit from this kind of investment.
“We very much look forward to welcoming our new students to this new accommodation in 2018.”
