In March this year we wrote to Severn Trent to formally voice our concerns over the future of the former Greyhound Public House in Much Park Street, a locally listed building of 19th century or possibly late 18th century origin. We were supported by the national campaigning group, SAVE Britain's Heritage, and the Victorian Society.
A meeting was scheduled with Severn Trent to discuss the developer's plans for the building, although this meeting was subsequently cancelled by Severn Trent at short notice. Not long afterwards bulldozers moved on site and began demolition on the modern single storey extension to the Greyhound as well as the toilet block to the rear.
Immediately upon learning of the demolition works the Coventry Society (supported by SAVE Britain's Heritage) contacted senior individuals at Severn Trent to seek clarification as to what extent of the building was to be demolished and to seek an assurance that the main listed building would be preserved. In response we were told that the relevant personnel at Severn Trent were all on annual leave and were unable to comment.
The Greyhound has now been completely demolished and as yet we do not know what plans the developer has (if any) for the vacant site. We hope it is not going to become another vacant gap site in the same manner as the former Peacock Pub on Gosford Street and the former Hope and Anchor Pub on Whitefriars Street.
This is the third historic public house which Coventry has lost in the last several months. All of these buildings survived the wrath of the Luftwaffe and the post war development of Coventry City Centre and the construction of the ring road. It is therefore a great pity that the developers didn't show some respect to these heritage survivors and incorporate them into exciting new development schemes.
In current times "sustainability" has become the buzz word in development and regeneration schemes. We question whether the word holds any meaning.
