This exciting project has local people at its heart and is focussed on co-designing a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Thanks to funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority, we have a unique opportunity to make real, lasting change.
Together with the local community, we aim to create:
- warmer, more energy-efficient homes through the Warm Homes Local Grant
- greener, more attractive streets
- safer, more welcoming public spaces
We understand the challenges many residents in Hillfields face, from high energy bills and poor air quality to limited green spaces and fewer street trees in some areas. This project can offer eligible residents free home energy improvements, helping to make homes more warm and lower energy bills.
We want to hear the ideas, concerns, and priorities of the local community to help shape the changes that matter most.
The initial development stage of the project will continue through to March 2026. Retrofit work will then run through to March 2028.
Aims
Community-led design and decision-making
This project is centred around community engagement. Through a series of events, workshops, and conversations, we’ll gather feedback and ideas to guide the project.
Community input will help shape the improvements we make, ensuring they reflect the needs of the people that live in Hillfields.
Warm, energy-efficient homes
One of the projects aims is to make home upgrades to improve energy efficiency through the Warm Homes Local Grant. This should help homes become warmer in winter and lower energy bills.
We are working with E.ON as part of our Strategic Energy Partnership, to deliver these improvements. Depending on eligibility and property needs, upgrades may be free and include but are not limited to:
- wall and loft insulation
- energy-efficient lighting
- solar panels
- smart heating controls
- heat pumps
- other energy-saving measures based on the needs of each property
Please note: Not all properties will receive the same upgrades, as improvements and funding contributions will depend on each home's needs, eligibility, and what is feasible.
Our Strategic Energy Partnership has also been working with tech startup Kestrix to use thermal camera drones and advanced 3D heat loss modelling at scale. The drone surveys have been focused in the Hillfields area, offering detailed insights into where and how heat is escaping from homes. This data is helping to identify specific improvements that could significantly boost energy efficiency and make homes more comfortable and cost-effective to heat.
Greener spaces and neighbourhood improvements
There are many different reasons why green spaces are important, especially in urban environments. This project will explore ways to enhance and expand green space across Hillfields, bringing a range of benefits:
- improved health and wellbeing through access to nature
- support for wildlife and local biodiversity
- cleaner air by absorbing pollutants
- cooler streets through shade and urban cooling
- better water management to help reduce flooding
Initiatives similar to our Coventry Grows community gardens are just one example of how local spaces can be transformed. We’ll work with residents to identify opportunities for green space improvements.
Share your views in our short survey: Hillfields Green Spaces Survey
Residents in Hillfields who complete the survey will receive a £5 gift card.
To receive your voucher, please email sustainablehillfields@coventry.gov.uk once you have completed the survey, including your postcode and email address. We will also be monitoring survey submissions regularly to make sure no one misses out.
If you would prefer your voucher by post, please let us know in your email and include your postal address.
Updates
After talking to the local community in Hillfields, the project has started to deliver some exciting improvements. These include creating more green spaces for children and families to use, cycling opportunities and more.
Hillfields City Farm
The site of the former City Farm at 1 Clarence Street in Hillfields is undergoing changes to reopen as a safe and accessible community space. The improvements will include:
- a new playground for children, which is aimed to be completed by October 2026
- a new sensory garden, where people can explore, touch, smell, listen to and interact with different objects and plants, with aims to be created by winter 2026
Harmony Hub outdoor space
We are working with Groundwork West Midlands to create a greener, more usable outdoor area with spaces for plants and play for children and families at Harmony Family Hub.
Street tree planting
After gaining the input from residents on Grantham Street, three street trees will be planted by August 2026, helping to green the street, increase tree canopy cover, improve air quality and cool down the street in hot weather.
Garden tree giveaway
In the Autumn, residents in Hillfields may have the chance to receive a free tree to plant in their own garden, being able to look after the tree and watch it grow. This will increase canopy cover across the city and help the council meet its target of one tree for every resident.
Low-carbon travel and active transport
We want to make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel, cycle, and use low-carbon transport. This will help:
- improve air quality
- reduce traffic congestion
- support healthier lifestyles
- make streets more pleasant and accessible
We’ll explore improvements to walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure and look at how to encourage more sustainable travel options throughout Hillfields.
Share your views in our short survey: Hillfields Travel Survey
Residents in Hillfields who complete the survey will receive a £5 gift card.
To receive your voucher(s), please email sustainablehillfields@coventry.gov.uk once you have completed the survey, including your postcode and email address. We will also be monitoring survey submissions regularly to make sure no one misses out.
If you would prefer your voucher by post, please let us know in your email and include your postal address.
Please take a few minutes to complete the surveys and help us create greener, healthier and safer outdoor spaces and travel for everyone in Hillfields.
Updates
Dr Bike sessions are being delivered at schools and community events this summer. These sessions will provide free repairs, maintenance and safety checks. These sessions should help to remove cost barriers to cycling, increase physical activity and promote long term behaviour change. Keep an eye out for the upcoming Dr Bike sessions in Hillfields on our Dr Bike webpage.
Community energy and climate resilience
We’re also exploring innovative local energy solutions, like community heat networks, that could help Hillfields become more climate resilient and energy independent. Whilst we’re still in the early stages, we’re exploring what might be possible and how it could benefit everyone.
Alongside this, we’re looking at how to make public spaces and streets more resilient to extreme weather events, such as flooding and heat waves.
Get involved
Upcoming events
Come along to the Love Parks Event at Swanswell Park on Saturday 25 July 2026 for fun nature sessions and more. Our strategic energy partner, E.ON will be in attendance to talk about the Warm Homes programme along with Dr Bike and Mencap who will be bringing tricycles.
Surveys
Share your views to help shape greener, healthier spaces and travel in Hillfields.
Complete our short Green Spaces Survey and Travel Survey to tell us what matters most to you.
Hillfields residents will receive a £5 voucher per survey.
After completing a survey, please email sustainablehillfields@coventry.gov.uk with your postcode and email address (and postal address if you prefer your voucher by post).
Contact us
Have questions or suggestions? We’d love to hear from you.