The vacant Station Tower office building overlooking Coventry Railway Station is being demolished as part of the £100 million transformational Friargate project.
Preparations are in place for demolition experts Armac to dismantle the 15 storey skyscraper tower from top to bottom, floor by floor. The process is being overseen by principal contractor Bowmer & Kirkland and will complete by the end of the year.
The eagerly awaited Friargate regeneration scheme will bring 25 buildings to the city, including premium quality, energy efficient offices – one of which will house Coventry City Council’s new £40 million headquarters – along with two hotels, a range of homes, retail and leisure units and lively new public space and is set to create 15,000 jobs.
The scheme is also providing a much needed, pedestrian-friendly link between the Grade II-listed 1962 Coventry Rail Station and the city’s retail centre, with a new bridge deck over the ring road and landscaped areas already open to the public.
Stephen Reynolds of Friargate said: “Friargate is bringing a vibrant new business district to the city that will generate up to 15,000 jobs. Demolition of Station Tower marks a highly visible milestone and takes us another step further in the dramatic transformation of the skyline.”
Councillor Ann Lucas, leader of the council, said: “Friargate has a major role to play in our drive to ensure Coventry is a top ten city. We are dedicated to ensuring Coventry is open for business and growth and the demolition of Station Tower is a real step forward in creating a fantastic new business district that will provide jobs and prosperity for local people.”
During the demolition works a new traffic management system will be set up incorporating minor changes to bus and taxi stands. Routes for both vehicular traffic and pedestrians will be clearly signed.