Site preparations for the Friargate proposals, on 37 acres of land in Coventry, have started following the appointment of a demolition contractor. The multi-million pound office-led development of Coventry’s new business quarter linking the city’s railway station to the city centreis being led by Friargate Coventry LLP.
Demolition of the buildings on the site, starting with the multi-storey car park in Eaton Road, will begin this month after specialist contractors, D Hughes, were appointed to carry out the work. The demolition work is expected to continue throughout the rest of the year and into 2015.
Speaking on behalf of Friargate, Steve Reynolds said: “The start of demolition on the siteis an exciting point in the evolution of the project. This is a very important step in the regeneration of the area that will see the site cleared and prepared for the construction of this transformational development, starting with the new building for Coventry City Council and major changes to the public space.”
The demolition is part of the preparation of the site required before construction can begin on the first of 27 new buildings planned for the mixed-use development. This will include offices, hotels, housing, retail and leisure units as well as high quality public realm.
Councillor Ann Lucas, leader of the council, said: “We have been talking about Friargate for a long time, but now it’s time for action. I’m delighted that the first building is coming down – it marks the next stage in the regeneration of the area.
“I am determined that we will make this city great again and Friargate has a big role to play in creating new jobs and transforming the way people think about Coventry. Our work at Junction 6 of the Ring Road will plug the development right into the city centre – creating a green link between the new development and the heart of our city.”
A number of upgrades and enhancements to the roads in and around the site are also planned, improving access for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
Owen Kirk of Friargate investors and developers, Cannon Cannon Kirk: “This is very good news for the whole area. It is very heartening to see work start on a site that will createsuch an important development for the city. The new infrastructure, commercial buildings and housing on this scale will revitalise Coventry, lead to new jobs and boost the local economy.”
Construction of the firstphase of development is expected to start next year.