The demolition of an eyesore multi-storey car park later this month will mark the start of Coventry’s biggest business quarter regeneration scheme for almost half-a-century.
When complete the 37-acre Friargate development, adjacent to the city’s railway station, will encompass 25 new buildings including 14 Grade A office blocks, two hotels, retail and leisure facilities and residential apartments. The commercial floorspace alone will cover almost two-million square feet.
It’s also estimated that 7,800 construction and supply chain jobs will be created as work proceeds with almost 13,500 people working in the fully let quarter, which would also see city council staff move into a newly built office as the district’s first tenant. The consolidation will reduce the number of council offices across Coventry from 27 separate buildings to just nine.
“The start of demolition on the Eaton Road car park is an exciting point in the evolution of the project,” said Steve Reynolds, a spokesman for lead developer Friargate Coventry.
“This is a very important step in the regeneration of the area that will see the site cleared and prepared for the construction of this transformational development, starting with the new building for Coventry City Council and major changes to the public space,” added Reynolds, who expected the ground work to continue throughout the rest of the year and into 2015.
The £59m scheme’s own web site says: “All elements of the new development will be linked by lively streets with ground floor retail, restaurant and bar units, high quality public spaces — including the expansion of Greyfriars Green — and improved pedestrian routes across the city, connecting the train station to the city centre and creating a more fitting welcome to Coventry for visitors arriving by rail.”
Ann Lucas is leader of Coventry City Council. “We have been talking about Friargate for a long, long time,” she commented. “I’m delighted that the first building is coming down and that we will be starting the next stage in the regeneration of this neglected area.
“I am determined that we will make this city great again and Friargate has a big role to play in creating new jobs and transforming the way people think about Coventry.”
The authority has already confirmed that it is in “deep negotiations” with a potential major tenant likely to take at least 40,000sq ft of office space at Friargate and giving developers the momentum to press ahead with a second block.
Separate talks are also underway with a national chain to take on one of the two 150 to 200-bedroom hotels. “We hope to make an announcement on both contracts shortly,” said a council spokesman.
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