Preparation work under way for city development

Construction work on the development is due to start in the summer

Preparatory work has started on a £450m city centre regeneration project.

The City Centre South development in Coventry will replace a number of old buildings with new shops, restaurants, open public space and almost 1,000 homes.

Construction is scheduled to start in summer 2025, with the first homes expected to be completed in early 2027.

The preparatory work will include fencing off the site and closing City Arcade.

That closure begins from 27 January and will mean no pedestrian access from Queen Victoria Street through to Shelton Square.

Jim O'Boyle, the city councillor responsible for jobs, regeneration and climate change said it was "a really important step" and the rest of the city centre would remain "open for business".

The project will cover areas including the City Arcade, Bull Yard and Market Way, with Hertford House and Barracks multi-storey car park among the buildings set to go.