New details of Coventry city centre redevelopment revealed

Subject to planning permission, work was expected to begin in summer 2024, the council said

Detailed plans for a £450m redevelopment of Coventry city centre have been revealed.

They cover the first of two phases of the Coventry City Centre South regeneration scheme.

The project intends to create 1,500 homes, most of them flats, alongside commercial retail space, shops, a hotel and cinema.

Subject to planning permission, work was expected to begin in summer 2024, Coventry City Council said.

The development, which received outline planning consent in 2022, intends to transform areas including City Arcade, Bull Yard, Market Way, Shelton Square and Hertford Street into a "thriving" new neighbourhood.

The City Centre South scheme includes plans for 1,500 flats alongside commercial retail space

Development partners The Hill Group and Shearer Property Group have since submitted a reserved matters application, representing a "significant milestone" in plans to "revolutionise and transform the city centre".

Phase one of the project involves retail space and 991 new homes, of which 200 would be affordable.

Up to 584 homes and further retail space would be created in phase two.

The residential buildings would range in height from five to 19 storeys and include studio flats and three-bedroom homes, which would include external space, such as a balcony or access to a communal garden.

A replica of the History of Coventry mural, created by sculptor William Mitchell, would also be installed under plans.

'Positive step forward'

Councillor Jim O'Boyle said the project was "really exciting" and would create jobs and training opportunities.

"This is a really positive step forward," he said.

"I'm glad that every new home will have a balcony or terrace space, this proved to be really valuable during Covid - and the developer has worked hard to ensure this will be available to every resident."

Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands, said he was "pleased" to see a number of affordable homes included in Phase One.

"City Centre South will help completely transform Coventry city centre, and I'm delighted we could put significant cash on the table to make it happen," he said.