Coventry receives funding for retail scheme

A major city centre development in Coventry, which plans to create new shops, houses and a cinema, has received a grant of almost 100 million pounds from the new West Midlands Combined Authority to regenerate the area.

The 560,000 square foot project has been in the planning for the past five years and the new grant of 98.8 million pounds will help push the 360 million pound project along, which will transform the area around Bull Yard, Shelton Square and Market Way.

It is hoped that now the City Centre South project has received a funding boost that the council will be able to name both the developer as well as a top name anchor store to push forward the plans which include a shopping centre to rival Solihull's Touchwood.

Cllr George Duggins, leader of Coventry City Council said: “I'm delighted that the combined authority has approved 98.8 million pound investment for the redevelopment of our city centre.

"We've got ambitious and exciting plans for City Centre South, which will include new shops, a cinema, homes and a new car park that will transform the area around Bull Yard, Shelton Square and Market Way.”

Duggins added: "Coventry people have waited too long for improvements to the city centre. But this cash is a real boost and will mean we can crack on and select a developer.”