The Hill Group and Shearer Property Group have submitted a reserved matters planning application for the first of two phases of the £450m City Centre South regeneration project in Coventry.
Phase one of the mixed-use development includes 991 new homes – of which 200 will be affordable – as well as 8,000 sq m (circa 86,000 sq ft) of new commercial space, with phase two providing further commercial space and up to 584 homes. The residential buildings, which were designed by Allies & Morrison, range in height from five- to 19-storeys.
The development partners received outline planning consent in January 2022 and subject to approval of the reserved matters application they hope to make a start on site in summer 2024, with the first homes delivered by the end of 2026.
Andy Hill OBE, group chief executive of The Hill Group, said: “Submitting the reserved matters application of City Centre South in Coventry represents a significant milestone to revolutionise and transform the city centre. We are keen to move ahead with our exciting plans for the first phase of delivery, utilising inspirational architecture, exceptional attention to detail and extensive landscaping to create a vibrant new district in the historic part of the city.”
Guy Shearer, from Shearer Property Group added: “City Centre South will bring an entirely new, lively quarter to the city centre. Phase one will provide a wide range of quality boutiques and shops offering a diverse range of commercial space. Restaurants, bars, and the latest social and hospitality leisure occupiers will create an exciting new mix of offers that will complement and enhance the existing retail offer within the market and city centre.”
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, said: “This is a really positive step forward. City centres are changing so this private sector investment will not only breathe new life into the area it will create a thriving, bustling new community that can help to support shops and restaurants and leisure attractions.
“We have seen how our work in the Upper Precinct and in the area around Bull Yard has attracted families back into the city centre – now imagine that on an even bigger scale. This is really exciting regeneration that will also create jobs and training opportunities during construction but afterwards too. I’m glad that every new home will have a balcony or terrace space – this proved to be really valuable during Covid – and the developer has worked hard to ensure this will be available to every resident. I look forward to work starting on site.”
Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “City Centre South will help completely transform Coventry city centre, and I’m delighted we could put significant cash on the table to make it happen. Not only will this project bring about major regeneration, but it will also provide significant numbers of homes and jobs for the people of Coventry. I’m particularly pleased therefore to see the number of affordable homes coming forward as part of phase one, something we were insistent on as part of our funding agreement. Our near-£100m investment is one of the biggest we’ve ever made as a combined authority, showing just how much we believe in this scheme and the city of Coventry.”
