Coventry - Redevelopment

[Leofric]

Hi,

Nice to see Coventry included - I know most people in Coventry still feel very much "Warwickshire" rather than West Midlands.

There's a lot of redevelopment going on in the City at the moment, but I personally think there's a long to way to go.

One that looks good is belgrade Plaza - www.belgradeplaza.com

There's also a similar sized development called "Park Court" near the station, and I've heard about something called "Godiva Place" that seems to feature two large towers.

Then, of course, there's Ikea, and the 2nd phase of the Phoenix Development...

I wonder what will happen to the idea of the 4th spire?

I just hope with all these apartment blocks (There're 2 14 storey blocks planned for next to Ikea, and a 17 storey block planned for the Butts) that they improve the shopping and other leisure facilities. Coventry needs some venues and promoters for live music!

[Will]

HI Leo,

Welcome to the boards. Yes I think Cov is very much part of Warwickshire, especially since it is all but surrounded by it.

You know the one thing that I think would improve Coventry City Center (and this is probably easier said then done), is to get some more plant life in the City. This may have already happened in fact, it's been about three years since I've been to Cov.

I've seen the great work that has been done to regenerate Birmingham, and now I feel focus is turning towards Coventry. I hope this site will play it's part in raising awareness of what people want, if only in a small way.

[Olive]

Hi Leo,

What is Coventry in general like to live in? I've always been led to believe it's very run down, but I've got be honest and say I've never been to have a look for myself. How big is it too?

[Simon]

When ever I think about Coventry, I think of two things. The first is visiting COventry Cathedral a child, which I have fond memories of. The second is my Granparents telling me about the second world war, the lives in Birmingham at the time but they said they could see Coventry as one giant burning fire. It's so hard to imagine living is such times.

I think it's that night which explains a lot of the brutalist buildings that currently reside in Cov. I hope the redevelopment includes doing something about those.

[Leofric]

Originally Posted by Olive

Hi Leo,

What is Coventry in general like to live in? I've always been led to believe it's very run down, but I've got be honest and say I've never been to have a look for myself. How big is it too?

Coventry's classed as a "Medium sized European City." It's population is about 300,000 - about on a part with Leicester, Nottingham, Cardiff, Bradford, etc. (Although I have seen an "economic sub region" mentioned that has a population of 500,000+)

There's no "general" about it - the city cover's an area that's about 8-10 miles wide. The Southern areas, like Earlsdon, Canley Gardens, bits of Canley, Tile Hill village, Westwood, Stivichal, Finham, Green Lane, Cheylesmore are fairly pleasant - typical suburbia, in some cases, with Earlsdon being community with a strong identity and a popular selection of restaurants and pubs (Including the old Watchmaker's quarter in Chapelfields.) None of these areas are run down, and Kenilworth Road is a magnificent entrance into the city. Allesley Village is a wonderful preserved village on the Western fringes side of the city.

The Foleshill->Bedworth->Nuneaton corridor is one of the most deprived areas in the Midlands, though. Foleshill's main centre is a busy area with a lot of ethnic shops (And some great Sweet centres). However, these areas do look a bit run down. Much of Wyken and Walsgrave are huge sprawls of housing with very little character. Ball Hill is a thriving mini-centre in Stoke, which still retains some character. Some of the old post-war estates are pretty run down and not that great. Much of inner-city Hillfields is being redeveloped.

Compared to other cities, there's very little dereliction - a heap of ugly ringroad and a bland shopping precinct seem be the overriding opinion, but then again, the Cathedral Quarter is magnificant, and there are plenty of old medieval buildings dotted around - you just need to find them.

Culturally, there's the Belgrade Theatre and Warwick Uni arts centre, and a handful of city centre pubs that have music. The Herbert Art gallery has regular exhibitions. Pubwise, some very good olde world pubs (Windmill, Whitefriars, Inspire - in an old spire, and a few dotted around) and some newer 'trendy' bars & restaurants. Tin Angel on Spon Street does a regular music slot. Large leisure complex with clubs and cinemas, and the Colosseum in Hillfields features a lot of well known bands. Lacks variety, though, overall.

Shopping wise, it's pitiful really - no decent department stores, very few independent shops, but all the major chains. Not good for fashion or anything unusual.

I suppose it depends what you want - if you want to live in a more city based environment, then you won't get better than some of the southern suburbs - generally clean, friendly, but you'll pay for it. Very expensive in some places. The North East is a lot more built up, and the housing stock is generally tight packed terraced streets.

In many respects, it's no different to any other city. In some areas, it's doing better, especially in terms of unemployment and crime, which is relatively low. Culturally & aesthetically, it has some way to go. However, the new developments we're seeing all over the place should help.

I don't mind it, really.

[Leofric]

Originally Posted by Simon

I think it's that night which explains a lot of the brutalist buildings that currently reside in Cov. I hope the redevelopment includes doing something about those.

Quite a lot of post-war stuff has been demolished. In general, the trend is UPWARDS, with most developments being 16-20 storeys high. The council recently told Ikea to redesign their new store as it was too bland.

[chillitt]

tile hill is fairly pleasant?????

[Crunchie]

ooh yes - Tile Hill is Coventry's Notting Hill
Bl**dy awful place imho!!!

[Leofric]

Originally Posted by chillitt

tile hill is fairly pleasant?????

As you seem unable to read, I shall re-iterate. I said "Tile Hill Village" which is on the border of Coventry/Solihull and is considered a fairly desirable semi-rural area. I did not say "Tile Hill" which covers a rather large area - including the rather notorious "Jardine Crescent" area.

[chillitt]

apologies, i can clearly read, i can not believe there would be 2 tile hills...even if one is called a village. (calm down, dear..)