Petition to axe city escalator
A PETITION has been launched to remove an “eyesore” escalator in Coventry city centre.
Supporters are calling on Coventry City Council to get rid of the 1990s green glass structure which links the Upper Precinct and West Orchards.
According to the petition, which already has more than 80 signatures, campaigners want the pedestrianised area restored to its “symmetrical layout of the 1950s”.
The escalator has previously been described by its detractors as “stunningly inept” and looking like a “derailed train”.
Alan Denyer, who started the petition on Monday, said the escalator was an eyesore and that restoring the area to its ‘Gibson’ layout would bring something unique back to the city.
He said: “I’ve always hated the way it completely ruins the look of the Upper Precinct.
“I also have a bit of a thing about possibilities for restoration of what I call the ‘core 1950s precincts’, as 50s style is very much back in now.
“Under all the that we have a potentially brilliant asset.
“Something unique to Coventry which it would be great to do something with – particularly in the run up to the city of culture bid. West Orchards originally felt they needed to maximise footfall by ‘hoovering up’ people from the relatively busy precinct, but we’re 25 years further on now, and times have changed.
“They’d benefit along with all the other city centre retailers if the core precinct could get a chic makeover and become the cultural icon I have in my mind.”
He added: “The escalator is the elephant in the room for all this.
“I think people just look at it and think why did they bother, hence the petition.”
Asked what he hopes to achieve with his petition, Alan explained that he wanted to convince the council and local business owners that it was in the city’s best interest to get rid fo the escalator.
He said: “It helps the council if they can demonstrate a groundswell of public opinion for an idea that needs stakeholders to buy in – like West Orchards and the brand new owners of Upper Precinct – and resources to make it happen.
“Primarily the issue will be to do with the leasehold and legal obligations in place in terms of what can and can’t be done, but it’ll mainly be down to convincing West Orchards that it’s in their best interests. I’m trying to prompt that dialogue.” He said people could still access the upper floors of West Orchards via the existing ramp from Broadgate. When contacted by the Telegraph, West Orchards said they had no comment on the petition. The council said they had no responsibility for the escalator, but would “comment in due course once the petition is presented to the council.” You can view the petition at www.coventry. gov.uk/Petitions
I’ve always hated the way it completely ruins the look of the Upper Precinct. Alan Denyer