Key features of the masterplan

Shops

2.2 million sq ft of retail space, with anchor retail outlets (to include a major department store) at West Orchards and Bull Yard, and plans for more individual and local shops.

Green spaces and environmental features

An abundance of green spaces (the equivalent of more than seven football pitches) over four levels. This will include a new city park as well as community spaces for homes (apartments and family homes) and offices in the city centre. Roads in the city centre will be redesigned to make them pedestrian friendly, with the emphasis on public transport and walkways across the city centre.

New homes

To help bring the city to life day and night.

Celebrating the city’s history

Rebirth of the River Sherbourne, running from Millennium Plaza to Greyfriars Green, rediscovering views of the three spires from key points around the city centre, creating new routes from the Cathedral to the city centre. Regeneration of some key aspects of Gibson’s original design for post-war Coventry, including existing squares.

Public buildings

New buildings for the community, including a new building for events, concerts and public use and an iconic new city library, to be designed through international architectural competition.

Office space

Creative offices to foster emerging industries and to develop collaboration between businesses and universities.

Why Coventry needs to change

Research carried out by international retail experts Kings Sturge in 2007 showed that Coventry was the 11th largest city in the UK, but ranked 43rd in terms of retail offer.

Coventry’s retail catchment population is double the size of Leicester but the city centre only attracts two thirds the number of shoppers.

Businesses (63%) believe the city centre is “too down market” and only 35% of people interviewed in the research shop in Coventry because of choice and range of shops.

Coventry City Council