City Centre South Coventry

Environment Design

18 Jan

The masterplan for City Centre South upgrades several areas of the historic heart of Coventry, including Bull Yard, Shelton Square, City Arcade and Hertford Street, and will make the city a significant residential, shopping and leisure destination in the West Midlands.

Post-war planning had a number of failings in historic central Coventry, including the imposition of tower blocks in the middle of the street, poor urban legibility and damaged or blocked views. Outdated retail concepts abound including inward-looking arcades and multi-storey car parks. Our plans will restore the traditional functions of the city centre, not just create another bland, identikit retail street.

Among its provisions, the greatly improved urban environment will include new residential apartments at the upper levels, new public spaces, new retail units, F&B and leisure and community uses to activate the street level. A curated pavilion building will stand in the heart of a new plaza, which will be fronted by the city’s listed and much-loved indoor market. A new hotel, medical centre and cinema will complete the rounded offer.

We analysed the centre at a very detailed level, looking at the historic street patterns and architecture, where mistakes were made, where new vistas could open up, where existing routes can be reinforced and historic axes reinstated. Our plans will create an authentic, socially and economically sustainable space for the people who live, work, shop and socialise in the city.

The whole scheme will connect the city’s much-loved circular market with the rest of the centre, with the aim to have the development open for business by 2026.

Chapman Taylor

Operating from 17 design studios, Chapman Taylor is an award-winning practice of global architects and masterplanners, known for designing places and buildings that are both creative and successful.

Established in 1959, we have longstanding relationships with many of the world’s leading developers, contractors, consultants, investors and brands.

Clients benefit from the breadth of our pooled knowledge and creative expertise across design studios in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Specialising in Residential, Retail, Leisure, Hospitality and Office design, we are able to blend these uses into vibrant mixed-use environments for people to enjoy.