Demolition is start of huge transformation
THE demolition of Coventry Point signified the start of a huge transformation of Coventry city centre.
But the still ongoing destruction of the tower block in Market Way - which was most recently home to more than 40 charities - is by no means the end.
It is just one part of a huge £300m plan to transform the city centre into a haven for shoppers and foodies.
News to redevelop the city centre in the shape of City Centre South first emerged back in 2011.
It was supposed to bring the city the second largest retail centre in the Midlands with shops, restaurants, a new cinema, bowling alley, hotel and more.
But a report prepared for a council meeting at the beginning of the year (January 21) admitted there were huge delays to the scheme which will transform Hertford Street, Bull Yard, Shelton Square and City Arcade.
Despite being granted outline planning permission in 2012, no anchor tenant of “sufficient standing” has been found.
The Telegraph spoke to Cllr Jim O’Boyle on the latest plans.
He said: “The footprint for City Centre South finishes with Coventry Point. Anything beyond there where the old BHS building is, is not part of the masterplan.
“Everything that will be demolished has started with Coventry Point. It is the first indicator of proper work ongoing for City Centre South.
“There is an awful lot of work going on behind the scenes. We certainly are on track for seeing plans next Spring.
“I am down to have another meeting this week and hoping to meet with developers.
“The £100m we have is still there and I am very confident we are going to get a scheme going.”
The side of the city centre which encompases Shelton Square, City Arcade, Market Way and Bull Yard will all be taken down as part of the plans.
Cllr O’Boyle added: “As part of the footprint, both sides of Market Way will be demolished, up to the Argos in City Arcade, Bull Yard, and demolishing Barracks car park is still the plan.
“We need to encourage people to live in the city centre.”
It is hoped new plans that have been adjusted to run side-by-side with the everchanging high street will be seen early next year.
This month, the city centre has dramatically changed as one of its most infamous landmarks has been removed - THAT green escalator.
All that is left of the green escalator in the Upper Precinct - dubbed ‘ugly’ by some - is a whole in the ground and some scattered green glass.
Work has been ongoing for the past several months to prepare for its removal.
It is all part of plans to open up views through the city centre to Coventry Cathedral and give the Upper Precinct an £11m transformation.
The shopping area has seen Poundland and Druckers close in recent months, but the long lost view between Broadgate and Hertford Street has been opened up after the demolition of Nationwide to start bringing that area back to life.
However the work doesn’t stop there, with more transformations set for the shopping area. Work will improve Hertford Street between the newly opened connection to Broadgate and up to the covered area by the Hertford Street canopy.
This will include laying a new pedestrian surface replacing the many slabs that have been damaged and the section of temporary surfacing - fitting new seating around the trees and adding water and a power supply so the traders currently in Market Way, can relocate to Hertford Street.