Plans submitted for second Friargate building

A DETAILED planning application has been submitted to Coventry City Council for the second Grade A office building at the new Friargate development.

Designed by architects Allies & Morrison, the 14-storey building will have a double height ground floor that will feature a restaurant/café space opening out onto the new Station Square, together with a large garden terrace on the southern side of the eighth floor.

Balconies set in the open south-western corner of the building will also give views over the new landscaped public space, while a glazed pavilion will sit on the top level, offering far-reaching views across the city in all directions.

Robert Maxwell, of Allies & Morrison said: “We have designed a building with a number of features that will add interest: a glazed pavilion, terraces, balconies, a splayed elevation and active ground floor will all help to deliver vibrancy to the building and to the pedestrian boulevard that connects the station to Greyfriars Green. This building will also establish the character and scale of the future development within the overall masterplan.”

Stephen Reynolds, from developers Friargate Coventry added: “The new building will enhance the Friargate development bringing additional vitality at street level.”

The old Station Tower was fully demolished in January and is set to be replaced by the city council’s new offices.

“With the second building in for planning, Friargate is really starting to transform the city,” said Mr Reynolds.

“It is increasingly identified as an attractive and viable business location with considerable financial, geographic and lifestyle benefits.”

Covering 37 acres, the hope is that Friargate will eventually create up to 15,000 jobs. Among the 25 new buildings to be delivered, will be 14 new office buildings, hotels, shops and restaurants in addition to new homes.

The city council’s new 13-storey office building is on target to be completed in summer 2017.