£2.7m scheme revamps area of Coventry ahead of City of Culture year
A new children’s play area and water feature have transformed an area of Coventry city centre ahead of UK City of Culture 2021.
The Bull Yard has been revamped thanks to a £2.7mscheme which includes £1.5m from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) and the remainder from the West Midlands Combined Authority.
The area around the £36.7m waterpark The Wave now includes a children’s play area with furniture designed by Studio Morison and a water feature designed by Fountain Workshops and delivered by Eurovia Contracting with night lighting resembling a firework display.
A new resin bound gravel surface has been laid while picnic benches, cycle hoops, fencing and lighting with tri-columns have been installed in front of the Christchurch Spire.
Nick Abell, chair of the CWLEP, said: “The public realm programme has really improved the appearance of this part of the city centre for young and old visitors.
“This is one of the key arrival points from Coventry Railway Station when the city welcomes visitors from across the UK and the world during its 12 months as UK City of Culture.
“It is a great facility for youngsters to enjoy the play area and water feature while adults will appreciate the improved landscape.
“The Local Growth Fund was established to finance projects such as this and it will help to revitalise Coventry city centre.”
Cllr Jim O’Boyle, of Coventry City Council and CWLEP board director, said: “This area looks completely different to how it used to. It’s lighter, brighter and greener – all things that we want the city centre to be.
“It’s a space that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether you’re stopping to eat at benches, a family enjoying the play area, stopping to admire the water feature or just passing through, it’s a warm welcome to the city centre.”
