'Market is cut off from city because of revamp'

Terry Rowe ran his pre-owned model train stall for more than two years in Coventry Market but is now relocating outside the city

A stallholder says he has been forced to relocate his "childhood dream" business in Coventry Market after it was "cut off" from the city centre due to a £450m redevelopment.

Terry Rowe ran the Thunderbolts Models stall, which specialises in pre-loved model trains, in the market but said trade fell by 44 per cent over the past six months following works on the City Centre South development.

He told BBC CWR his move to a site outside the city was a matter of "survival", in part because hoardings put up to direct people to the market were "too little, too late" and had "hurt" traders.

Project developers, The Hill Group, said they were happy to meet with traders and Coventry City Council to discuss concerns.

The project will include the transformation of City Arcade, Bull Yard, Market Way, Shelton Square and Hertford Street.

There will be 1,000 new homes along with shops, bars and restaurants and will create a "thriving" new neighbourhood, said the developers.

But market traders have said the work has had a negative impact on them.

'Puts people off'

Mr Rowe had his stall in Coventry Market for more than two years before he recently decided to relocate.

The 63-year-old told BBC CWR: "It is hard, and we were starting to develop some really good friends here.

"We were the only model railway shop in Coventry and actually anywhere around, and where we are moving to is a good half an hour from here.

"It's been a hard decision. It is my childhood dream, and it is my retirement project."

He added: "We've got customers of a certain age who said it doesn't feel safe because it [the market] is all boarded up, it is very isolated, and they feel uncomfortable coming through here; it puts people off.

"Around here [our stall], there is no signage, there is nothing welcoming, and it is cut off from the city centre; it is out here on its own.

"I will make sure we survive by moving, but for a lot of folk here who are staying behind are going to have to endure this. Their next big problem is when they start knocking down the buildings; the dust levels on fresh produce are not going to be good for their business."

The council says the aim of the City Centre South project is to bring people "back into the city to live, work, play, and socialise"

A Coventry City Council spokesperson said: "City Centre South will transform the city centre, creating new homes, new shops and leisure venues which together will help the market and the wider city centre to thrive."

The Hill Group said in a statement: "Coventry Market is an integral part of the city centre, and we have been in regular communication with the market traders to ensure that the directional signage, which has been in place since the hoarding was installed, guides both existing and new customers to the market.

"We are always eager to hear from traders and welcome any additional ideas on how we can effectively direct customers to the market."