Planning permission sought for ambitious improvements to iconic Grade II listed indoor market.
A team of architects who specialise in listing buildings have produced detail plans for external improvements to Coventry Market, following a commitment of £1.25m worth of investment in the project.
The plans include the insertion of new glazing in the lower section of the building to allow in more light, the creation of wider doorways to improve access and the enhancement of links between businesses located in the market and the new public realm. New lighting, illuminated signage and the installation of public art are also all part of the plans.
Investment in the improvement plans is provided by West Midlands Combined Authority, the government’s Pride in Place initiative and collaboration with the Hill Group. It’s hoped that further phases of the plans can be implemented in future, when more funding has been secured.
Cllr Dr Lynnette Kelly, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration at Coventry City Council, says: “Coventry Market is at the heart of the new City Centre South public regeneration. Our traders have been asking for investment in this building for a number of years, and I’m delighted that we’re now able to deliver it. This is a really positive step that will make a genuine difference to the businesses who work here every day, and to the shoppers who use the market.
‘We want to make sure that our traders can continue to provide their wide variety of services to the public, but in a more modern environment that is better suited to their needs, which still retains the unique design of the listed building. The Council recently acquired ownership of the market and so it is an ideal time to plan these improvements so they are complete when the new residents of City Centre South will be moving in.
‘Thanks to Pride in Place funding from the government and further investment from City Centre South developer the Hill Group, we can start work in the new year, subject to planning approval. With any building work, there will inevitably be some disruption and we ask that residents and businesses continue to remain patient and support the amazing businesses Coventry Market has to offer.’
Chris Charley, Secretary of Coventry Indoor Market Committee, adds: ‘We are extremely excited for this amazing announcement and investment in the future of the market. The announcement shows a firm commitment to the future of the market and bringing it up do date with the rest of the city centre.
‘Some traders will be impacted so we are actively working with the council to minimise this. We look forward to the improvements starting and ushering in a much smarter, better-looking market for the people of Coventry.’
Stuart Bale, Regional Director at the Hill Group, says: ‘We are pleased to support Coventry City Council in delivering these improvements to Coventry Market. The Market is an important part of the city’s heritage and future success, and these enhancements will help strengthen its role within the wider City Centre South regeneration.
‘By improving accessibility, visibility and connectivity between the Market and the surrounding public realm, we can help create a more attractive and welcoming destination that benefits traders, residents and visitors while complementing the new homes and public spaces being delivered nearby.’
Photo: illustration of planned improvements to Coventry Market, care of Coventry City Council
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