£31m City of Culture funding package agreed

A £31m funding package to help Coventry get ready for its role as the UK City of Culture 2021 has been agreed.

The money from the West Midlands Combined Authority will be used to “enhance and improve” the city centre ahead of the arrival of millions of visitors for City of Culture and the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

The city originally applied for £61.6m from the WMCA, however in light of “availability within the timescales required” it has been reduced.

The funding package will build on the city council’s work to change perceptions of Coventry so it can better attract investment, retain talent and increase visitor tourism.

Previous work has seen more than £150m spent over the last eight years on improvements to the city’s public spaces and infrastructure.

The £31.6m awarded will be used to help fund the Coventry City Centre First – City of Culture project which involves improvements to:

The urban environment and public realm areas which will include enhanced lighting and safety
The city’s road and cycle
Improved coach parking and refresh of the area around Pool Meadow bus station
The city’s signage and wayfinding infrastructure including the development of travel planning solutions for visitors
Refresh of public spaces and public art

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, who also chairs the WMCA, said: “The UK City of Culture offers a unique and golden opportunity for Coventry to showcase itself to the world.
“Coupled with the Commonwealth Games, where thousands of visitors will stay in and visit the city, it really is absolutely vital that we make not only a wonderful first impression but create a lasting legacy for those living in Coventry.

“That is why I am thrilled that the WMCA board has today agreed to make this funding available to help do just that.”