Revised plans have been revealed for a long-awaited regeneration scheme which is set to transform Coventry city centre.
The City Centre South scheme is to push ahead but a big change means it will not feature a department store.
The new plans have been launched by developers Shearer Property Group.
It comes as a shot in the arm for the regeneration and rebirth of Coventry city centre following the coronavirus lockdown and Ikea closing its Coventry store.
Instead of an anchor store at its heart, the scheme will feature what is described as “a public realm and accessible events space” as well as retail, leisure and residential elements.
Shearer Property Group has launched a dedicated City Centre South website, featuring further details of what it has pledged will be “a transformational mixed-used destination to “revitalise Coventry city centre”.
The website also forms part of a two-week consultation on what are outline proposals for the project, with the people of Coventry invited to have their say on it.
The developer said the new proposals will “respect the legacy and heritage of Coventry” and at the same time create “something exciting for the future”.
Also that City Centre South will “help draw people back to the city centre to live work and play”.
As well as a variety of different shopping outlets and the public realm/events space the scheme is also set to include a cinema, restaurants, new homes, space for a hotel, co-working space and a medical centre.
Shearer Property Group already has strong connections with Coventry stretching back six years.
The company reinvented Cathedral Lanes as the city centre’s food and drink quarter, introducing bars and restaurants like The Botanist, Cosy Club and Wagamama.
In collaboration with the city council, it is also currently transforming Upper Precinct into a new public space.
Guy Shearer at Shearer Property Group, said: “We have been working in this great city for many years and have invested huge resource into successfully delivering both Cathedral Lanes and The Precinct in collaboration with the council.
“We are now embarking on the next chapter of Coventry’s ambitious vision to regenerate City Centre South.
“Our scheme will re-introduce a community back into the heart of the city and create a vibrant place where people will once again want to live, work and socialise.”
Mr Shearer added: “This is a challenging time with the ongoing health situation around Covid-19, but we remain committed to progressing the city’s vision.
“We hope as many people as possible take part in the digital consultation and we look forward to engaging with local residents and businesses over the next two weeks.
“It is important for the people of Coventry to have an opportunity to review the proposals and provide us with their feedback to ensure that their new city centre is representative of the whole community and one that Coventry will be proud of.”
Cllr Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs and regeneration, at Coventry City Council said:“This consultation is the first phase of presenting a new plan for City Centre South.
“I’ve said many times, cities are changing due to consumer habits and expectations.
“The city of tomorrow is very different from yesterday. This plan will accommodate all the factors which reflect how town centres are evolving.”
Cllr O’Boyle added: “I am committed to that change because without change the centre will be forever in decline.
“This is a fact all city centres are facing but in Coventry we have a chance to take advantage now. And we will.”
People can learn more about the development and have your say in the consultation here.
The breakdown of what it is proposed to include is as follows:
* Up to 1,300 new homes
* A variety of new retail units for a modern shopping experience
* New leisure facilities, which could include a cinema, cafés, bars, restaurants and spaces for competitive socialising
* Up to 150 new hotel beds
* 20,000 square metres of welcoming and accessible landscaped public spaces and routes through the city centre
* Social infrastructure, for instance a large medical centre, which accommodates the needs of the wider population
