Friargate development Coventry UK
For many years visitors and local business in Coventry city centre have expressed the view that Coventry train station is isolated from the city centre. This perception of being cut off from the city centre is exacerbated by the Coventry inner ring road which runs between the station and all access roads and pedestrian paths into the heart of the city.
The buildings around Coventry train station were built and designed in the 1960's and are looking dated and are inefficient in terms of energy use and space utilisation. Most of the Coventry commercial property in the area is unoccupied and this is not good for the Coventry economy.
The Friargate project is going to address these issues and will bring enormous economic benefits to Coventry. However like all major developments local concerns will have to be listened to and addressed, particularly from local residents but also from people who are concerned about the impact on transport in Coventry, a city renowned for efficient traffic flow and relatively moderate congestion.
The proposal
A 300,000m² (3,200,000 sq ft) office-led, mixed-use city centre quarter next to Coventry train station.
The proposed Friargate scheme is bounded by Station Square, Manor Road, Warwick Road, Greyfriars Green and Grosvenor Road in the centre of Coventry. In total the site measures 15 hectares (37 acres).
The proposals being worked up by developer Friargate Coventry LLP include:
• 14 Grade A office buildings
• Two hotels
• New residential dwellings
• Vibrant streets with retail/restaurant/bar units
• New high quality public spaces and the expansion and improvement of Greyfriars Green
• New pedestrian routes across the city
The high quality office buildings - which will have restaurants and shops at ground level - will front Warwick Road and a new public square is 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, 25 new buildings are being proposed which will be quality commercial property in Coventry.
All new buildings will be constructed to meet high standards of sustainability and energy performance.
Friargate Coventry LLP is working in partnership with Coventry City Council on this strategic regeneration project. An outline planning consent was granted by Coventry City Council on 14th January 2010.
An amended outline application has been submitted in early December as a result of consultation with local residents and the City Council.
A key part of Friargate is the new, easy and vibrant access between the Coventry Railway Station and the heart of Coventry. The existing route into Coventry city centre is not visually apparent to any new visitors to Coventry arriving at Coventry train station. There are good direction signs and even a blue line that is painted on the footpath leading into the city centre. However the route into the centre is via a couple of subways and some people, including locals and regular visitors and commuters, find this aspect of the route uncomfortable.
The new proposed route into the city centre, which is a major part of Friargate, will be through attractive landscaped areas with retail outlets and cafés with al fresco facilities.
Road traffic and bus routes in Coventry
There are significant changes to traffic management proposed by the Friargate scheme. It is proposed that traffic will no longer be able to join the ring road from junction 6 towards junction 5. Vehicles wishing to join the ring road and travel in the direction of Cheylesmore or London Road will be routed along Warwick Road then into New Union Street to join junction 5 of the ring road.
It is also proposed to prohibit right turns into Michaelmas Road from Warwick Road and right turns from Michaelmas Road into Warwick Road. There is also the possibility of prohibiting right turns from Butts Road into Albany Road in Spon End because the developers believe that this move will discourage traffic using Westminster Road as a rat run from Warwick Road to Butts Road, which is a main arterial road in and out of the city.
Park Road is a cul-de-sac at the present time. Friargate will change this and Park Road will be the road that taxis will be routed along as they leave the train station. The entrance for taxis will be from the ring road to a proposed taxi rank for 20 taxis. Any more that 20 taxis will mean queues forming back to the ring road so this will need careful management!
Accommodation
Art and Entertainment
Automotive
Beauty
Charities
Community Clubs
Education
Estate Agents
Fastfood
Health and Medical
Heritage and Attractions
Leisure and Fitness
Local Services
Nightlife
Pets
Professional Services
Public Services and Government
Pubs And Bars
Religious Organisation
Restaurants
Shopping
Sports Clubs
Tradesman
Travel
