TIME FOR CHANGE AT THE CANAL BASIN
REVAMP SET TO TRANSFORM NEGLECTED CITY CENTRE AREA AHEAD OF CULTURE YEAR...
A NEGLECTED area of the city is set for big changes in a bid to boost visitors ahead of Coventry becoming City of Culture 2021.
Councillors have asked for a full review of the Canal Basin in Radford to be carried out in a bid to find a “clear vision” for and “ensure the future” of the site.
They have previously noted how the area could become a creative hub for the city – if the “unwelcoming entrance” with its boarded-up buildings and litter is banished.
It is already home to the Tin Music and Arts centre and an arts trail so could be a perfect spot for a more cultural offering, perhaps with a museum.
Alternatively bars and cafes could see it transformed into the likes of Brindleyplace in Birmingham.
Other simple changes would focus on attracting more people to the area.
A wall could be removed on the junction of St Nicholas St and Leicester Row to open up views onto Coventry Canal and more signs could also be installed.
Full potential Coventry City Council’s cabinet are set to decide whether those recommendations from the council’s Business Economy and Enterprise Scrutiny Board’s Task and Finish Group can go ahead at a meeting next Tuesday.
Cllr John McNicholas, chairman of the scrutiny board, said it was important to make sure the “brilliant asset” was being “used to its full potential” by the time Coventry takes the title of UK City of Culture in 2021. He said: “The canal is a wonderful space for nature running right through the city and the Canal Basin is already host to a range of great cultural assets such as the Tin Music and Arts, as well as a number of artworks. “We want to build on this as we approach such a pivotal time for the city and see the Canal Basin really thrive and be well used by Coventry residents and visitors.” Now also a member of the West Midlands Canal and River Trust Board of Trustees, he added that he was looking forward to shaping the plans in the future and working with partners to enhance the area. The Canal & River Trust charity will be heavily involved with the review. Peter Mathews CMG, chairman of the Canal & River Trust’s West Midlands Advisory Board, said: “The Coventry Canal and Canal Basin have the potential to really enhance the lives of people living and working in the city. “As a charity we know that spending time by the water can help us feel happier, more relaxed and increase our sense of wellbeing so to have these amazing waterways on our doorstep is fantastic. “We’re looking forward to working with Coventry City Council to improve the city’s waterways and make them more accessible so that more people can experience the benefits of spending time by the water.”