Friargate Coventry LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) has submitted an outline planning application to Coventry City Council for the proposed redevelopment of a 37 acre (15 hectare) strategic site opposite the city’s train station. The development is expected to generate up to 15,000 permanent jobs and the construction programme is expected to take 10 to 15 years to complete.

The Friargate development area is bounded by Station Square, Manor Road, Warwick Road, Greyfriars Green and Grosvenor Road. At present the site is occupied by commercial buildings that are 40 to 50 years old, under-utilised and unable to meet the stringent standards demanded by occupiers looking for high quality, modern and efficient work space. The Friargate site could accommodate approximately 300,000m² (3,200,000 sq ft) of high quality development, with a large proportion of the scheme designated for Grade A offices, to encourage inward investment and job creation in the city centre.

The masterplan for the scheme has been designed by internationally acclaimed architects Allies and Morrison. Extensive public consultation carried out by the development team during the summer months has revealed that there is much agreement to redevelop the Friargate site and regenerate the area.

Rodney Pilcher, who is overseeing the development proposals for Friargate Coventry LLP, comments: “Since we presented our proposals to Coventry City Council and members of the public back in May, we have spent considerable time consulting with local people and stakeholders and have refined the designs to create a very exciting scheme masterplan.

“up to 15,000 new permanent jobs could be created for the city”

“Friargate will inject millions of pounds into the local economy during the development stages and, once the buildings are ready for occupation, up to 15,000 new permanent jobs could be created for the city. The development is specifically designed to appeal to corporate and government relocation enquiries. While Coventry is already benefitting from a number of successful new office developments, Friargate presents the opportunity for a major regeneration project of the highest quality right next to the train station that will create clear pedestrian links into the city’s retail core. Our proposed masterplan will completely transform the area and create a ripple effect for further development across the city.”

The masterplan for Friargate includes 14 Grade A office buildings, two hotels, new residential dwellings and vibrant streets with retail/restaurant/bar units, designed around new public spaces. The high quality office buildings – which will have restaurants and shops at ground level – will front Warwick Road and a new public square to be created in front of the train station. The residential dwellings that are proposed will be located in the quieter areas of the site around Grosvenor Road and Manor Road. In total, 26 buildings are being proposed for the mixed-use scheme, conveying the scale of the 15 hectare development area.

“It is another major step in the development of our great city and it will create thousands of new jobs for local people.”

Councillor Gary Ridley, Cabinet Member (City Development) said: “I am delighted that the outline planning application for this impressive and important development is in.  It is another major step in the development of our great city and it will create thousands of new jobs for local people.  It is also  tangible proof that the developers believe in our city even in these difficult economic times.  This development will link perfectly to our plan to develop the south of the city centre first and it will create an impressive, green connection between the railway station and Greyfriars Green which will mean people will not have to use a chain of subways.”

Subject to planning approval, the under-utilised existing buildings located within the development site will be incorporated into a phased demolition programme, enabling sustainable new buildings to be developed across the site. Meanwhile, the area surrounding the Grade II listed Coventry train station will be enhanced as a fundamental aspect of the proposed masterplan.

The outline planning application that has been submitted seeks approval for the principles, rather than the detail of the individual buildings. However, the development project team is already seeking to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating across the site by ensuring sustainability and environmental factors dictate the proposed designs. Once the masterplan has been approved by Coventry City Council’s planning committee, detailed planning applications for individual buildings will be submitted.

Friargate Coventry LLP is the development vehicle for Friargate and is wholly owned by European developer and investor Cannon Cannon Kirk.

Information on the project is available online at friargatecoventry.co.uk.