Members of Coventry Council's Cabinet discussed a series of proposals at a special meeting, on Friday 21 January, aimed at ensuring the city gets the maximum benefit from the Olympic Games 2012 when the football will be played in Coventry.
Coventry people are being encouraged by Coventry Council to have their say in the designs for a new square for Broadgate which would be completed in time for the Olympic Games 2012 in Coventry and Coventry Cathedral's 50th anniversary.
No other city outside London will be the focus of so much Olympics related activity, which will include hosting Olympic football at the City of Coventry Stadium (Ricoh Arena) and the Godiva Awakes project. But in order to ensure Coventry people enjoy a long term legacy a £7million package of improvements could transform routes into the city centre as well as the appearance and use of Broadgate and Bull Yard.
An application for £3.5million worth of funding from the European Regional Development Fund has already been approved in principle, with investment also coming from Coventry transport plan funding.
Cllr John Mutton, Leader of Coventry Council said; "The people of Coventry deserve a city they can be proud of and we know that Broadgate in particular is close to everyone's heart. In 2012 the eyes of the world will be on us, so this is an ideal opportunity to continue to focus on the regeneration of the city centre and transform the historic heart of the city centre.
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"The Olympics is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to take our place on the international stage and I know we will give a real Coventry welcome to the thousands of international visitors that will be in our city to support their team. But it isn't just about being a host city, it's about making sure we provide something for local people - a lasting legacy everyone can be proud of. That's why we are starting work now on what will be one of the biggest and most important regeneration projects focusing on the heart of our city.
"We are planning this work in a difficult economic climate - when government spending cuts are making things very challenging for us. But I believe that it is vital that we focus on the future and re-establish our priorities - ensuring that we bring jobs to Coventry, continue the regeneration of the city and build a city we can all be proud of. That means we will continue to invest in our future and make sure our priorities are the ones that are most important to local people."
Cllr Mal Mutton who chairs the Coventry 2012 cabinet advisory panel said, "This is just the first step on our Olympic journey and over the coming weeks and months we will be asking Coventry people to get involved with the plans and to tell us what they think so they can help to shape the way the city centre looks and feels.
"The plans also involve us improving some of the connections to the city centre and giving the streets and pavements back to the people. This also includes filling in some horrible subways between the station and the city centre - which are probably the most unwelcoming greeting any city could give its visitors. In fact it's quite right that people should be better connected to Greyfriars Green - one of the most beautiful city parks in the country.
Martin Yardley, Director of City Services and Development for Coventry Council said: "We know from working with local people on the Jerde masterplan that residents have great ideas about what works and what doesn't. And they identified Broadgate as one of their top priorities. We removed the canopy by popular demand and now we are hoping they'll continue to help us by helping to design a new Broadgate for 2012. This is the first step on the beginning of the journey that will help us turn our vision for the city centre into a reality."
People can take part in the consultation by looking at the plans on Flickr, or by visiting the exhibition of the plans at the former Bakers Oven store in Shelton Square in the city centre. The shop will be staffed by council officers who want to hear people's views and can answer questions about the plans. It will open from Monday 24 January to Saturday 5 February. The shop will be open Monday to Saturday 10am to 3pm.
"I'll be popping into the shop when I can," said Cllr Duggins, Deputy Leader of the Council "because I really want to listen to people's views and see what they would like for Broadgate. I will also be having a go at the design myself and would encourage everyone to pop in and have a go themselves. Coventry people care passionately about their city and its future - that's why we will listen to what the people want."
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