BID TO TURN OLD CITY CENTRE PUB INTO HOMES

A FORMER pub and cinema space in Coventry city centre could be converted into apartments, a theatre workshop, and a revamped ‘pocket park.’

The former Jaguar Pub sits vacant on the ground and lower ground floor of 49-51 Corporation Street - a corner plot which backs onto landscaped space.

The grassy land was historically set aside for a cinema when plans for the pub were unveiled in 1964, but that has never developed and has sat unoccupied.

Now applicants Complex Development Projects, who have a long leasehold on the site, have proposed to extend into the open space to build a five-storey mixeduse unit which would contain 14 apartments and a ground-floor commercial unit capable of housing a restaurant, cafe or bar - although no details on what it would be have been given.

An existing apartment at the rear of the property would also be renovated to create two apartments.

Elsewhere, some of the existing open space, which sits opposite the Grade I listed St John the Baptist Church, would be retained and developed into a ‘pocket park.’

The derelict rooms of the former Jaguar Pub will then be transformed into a flexible workshop, performance and conference area for the neighbouring Belgrade Theatre.

A planning statement said: “The significance of the proposal within this important historic context is understood and we do not believe that there will be a negative impact on the setting of the listed buildings.

“The proposal seeks to improve the setting of the heritage assets with a new building which completes the terrace covering the ‘unfinished’ facade.

“Cultural and residential uses, including the implementation of a performance space for the Belgrade Theatre will bring some much needed activity and quality to this end of the row.”

Paul Maddocks, chair of the Coventry Society, is also quoted in the report as supporting the proposals for “high-quality flats” for residential use, rather than student accommodation.

He added: “Overall the development was felt to be a much welcomed addition to the city, tidying up a site that has lain undeveloped for over 80 years.”

Only two car parking spaces would be provided with the applicant citing its city centre location and transport links.

The first, second and third floors at the front of the building are under separate ownership and do not form part of the application.

A decision is expected by council planners in August.