Call for ‘re-think’ on £300m shopping centre development

The chairman of the Coventry Society has called for a “re-think” of the £300m City Centre South shopping centre development.

In the Society’s July newsletter, Keith Draper argues that a changing retail landscape means any new scheme should not focus on multi-national businesses.

“As House of Fraser announced it is pulling out of Birmingham and Solihull, isn’t it time to think again?”, said Draper.

“It’s understandable that our City Fathers should want to see our retail offer move up the rankings, but half a minute, shouldn’t we really be taking a fresh look at this grandiose City Centre South scheme granted outline planning permission all those years ago in 2012.

“Six years ago! Hasn’t the retail trade moved on since then?”

“From what I’ve read it’s a challenging market for retailers. Spending is squeezed and costs are rising.

“We are already seeing an acceleration of store closures among the multi-nationals. Online continues to outperform the market.”

Draper says the purpose of the development was to provide a considerable number of units with deeper trading floors for the big chains.

“Does this make sense in the prevailing climate?”, he said.

“The Society has always believed the small local retailer needs better support, especially in these challenging times.”

Draper also expressed concerns about the effects demolition in Market Way, City Arcade, Bull Yard and Hertford Street.

“Oddly enough, the more intimate environments of Shelton Square, and Bull Yars and City Arcade have the sort of premises eminently suited to the small trader. So why not restore, modernise, re-face?,” Draper said.

“This approach may not appeal to developers like Shearer. Surely there has to be an alternative plan at this crucial time.

“I urge the council to think again.”

Draper’s comments come as it was revealed that the developer behind the scheme missed the June deadline it set to announce the anchor tenant.

However, Coventry City Council said the scheme “remains on track”.

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