Precinct revamp put out for consultation

How the new precinct could look

Plans to transform part of Coventry’s aging city centre precinct have been put out to public consultation.

Shearer Property Group – owner of The Upper Precinct – is looking to transform one of the city’s prime shopping locations.

The proposals follow Coventry City Council’s pedestrianisation of Broadgate and they include alterations to the shopfronts, the walkways, the public realm; and the removal of an unsightly escalator to open up the precinct and give it a more modern look.

A new entrance will be provided into West Orchards Shopping Centre and empty upper floors are planned to be brought back into active use by capitalising on the growing need to accommodate the city’s student population.

Stewart Underwood, director, Shearer Property Group, said: “With the closure of BHS it is really important that we invest now to create a shopping environment that will help existing and new shops to thrive.

“Our proposals are an exciting opportunity to rejuvenate the Upper Precinct and the city centre as a whole.”

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Coventry’s cabinet member for jobs and regeneration, said: “I’m pleased that there is a plan to remove the escalators in Upper Precinct – there is no love for them or the ramp which blocks the views of the Cathedral spire. And people have been telling us for years that they would like them removed.

“This proposal will mean we get the best of the original Gibson plan back, alongside some modern additions. Hopefully these changes, if approved by planning, will help to attract new shops and restaurants to the area and this work will complement the bigger regeneration plan for City Centre South.”

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