Coventry University is planning a massive redevelopment which could bring a hotel, shops and hundreds of new homes to the site of former Council offices in the city centre.
The site of the former Civic Centre, which sits opposite the Council House, was purchased by the University for a prestigious headquarters building with research and exhibition facilities.
The original council buildings were mostly demolished and the site used for the Assembly Festival Gardens during City of Culture Year.
However, the University’s deep financial difficulties have made the original project unaffordable, and the university is now hoping to make money by developing the site for non-university purposes.
The university is partnering with VINCI UK Developments and ION Developments as the preferred bidders for the scheme which will also create new jobs.
The university said it wants the large site to bring community benefits as well as a significant economic boost to the city.
The vision for the multi-million-pound transformation includes community related projects linked to other public services, alongside high-quality residential property, hotels and retail use, linked together by exceptional public spaces.
It seems likely that the parts of Little Park Street Police Station might be relocated as part of this development.
The Coventry Society welcomes the redevelopment of this vacant site and looks forward to seeing detailed proposals. In particular we want to see how the Grade II listed Civic Centre I building is incorporated into the scheme.
