ESCALATOR COULD BE GONE IN WEEKS

WORK to remove the green escalator in the Upper Precinct is expected to begin in two weeks, pending final approval from Coventry council.

Two planning applications have been submitted to agree the working processes that will enable the escalator in Upper Precinct to be removed.

Extra information has been supplied by applicant Shearer Property Group on how access will be maintained to all shops in the Upper Precinct, how deliveries will be managed, as well as the timing of the work.

The wider £11 million project to transform the Upper Precinct was approved last November, and acceptance of the latest information - originally requested in conditions - will be the final hurdle before work on the escalator begins.

If approved, work will start “in a couple of weeks”, the city council has said.

Speaking on the plans, councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs and regeneration, said: “I’m really pleased the escalator is going.

“There has never been much love for it and once its gone we will get a real feeling of space in Upper Precinct.

“It will also mark the start of the work to transform the whole area with new paving, new planting, trees and water features.

“We have said we will keep the best of the old with the best of the new and the escalator is neither of those - so I hope people will be as pleased as me to see the back of it.”

Removal of the green escalator and footbridges connecting to West Orchards Shopping Centre will open up the pedestrian area.

Shearer Property Group has created an internal escalator in the location of the former Moss Bros shop so there will still be access from Upper Precinct to West Orchards Shopping Centre.

The applicant submitted detail to say works will take place Monday to Friday 7.30am until 5pm, lasting six weeks, with Cllr O’Boyle stating most will be carried out when shops are closed.

He added: “There will be an element of disruption while this work is underway - but we will ensure there is access to all the shops at all times and most of the work will be done when the shops are closed.

“I’d like to thank people for their patience. It will all be worth it.”

As part of the project, alterations will be made to the shopfronts including the former BHS building and removal of the outside canopy - while walkways will also be revamped.

The approved plans also transform empty upper floors of the Upper Precinct into new 75-room student accommodation.

Greenery and a new water feature will also form part of the plan, which seeks to help reestablish the view to Coventry Cathedral.