Coventry City Council has given the green light to a significant redevelopment project aimed at revitalizing a 1960s housing estate in Spon End, Coventry. This programming effort is a powerful “once in a generation opportunity” to rehabilitate three underutilized buildings on the estate. Citizen originally announced the ambitious £120 million citizen-led project back in 2019. It is committed to providing a combined total of over 700 new residences.
The first phase of the redevelopment will take place over three separate sections. The initial stage will include building 257 apartments in three to three-and-a-half storey buildings spread over four blocks. The second phase will bring 462 apartments into the mix, with one, two and three-bedroom layouts. One of every four of these units will be dedicated as affordable housing. The last phase will end with the building of 27 two, three and four-bedroom homes.
Councillor Seyi Agboola expressed optimism regarding the project, stating that it will “breathe new life into the area, supporting local shops and businesses” while making the neighborhood “safer and more attractive.”
Two of the four blocks will have ground floor commercial spaces to further activate the street. Beyond the residential space, they will bring 100% affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments to the market. The site design emphasizes sustainability in its provision of onsite parking (around one space per three apartments). The homes built during that last stage will have an average of two parking spaces per home.
The initial phase of the project begins in earnest in March of next year. We expect to complete that last phase by 2035 though!
“It will generate construction jobs, support the local economy and help meet our housing targets,” – Councillor
Councillor Lindsley Harvard shared his perspective on the scheme, acknowledging some criticisms but ultimately deciding not to oppose it. He highlighted issues about achieving the right parking balance inside the development.
“It is not balanced in terms of parking.” – Councillor Lindsley Harvard
Harvard drew particular attention to Coventry’s transportation infrastructure. They pointed out that this is inadequate compared to the expectations set by public transport in cities like London and Manchester, where public transport allows people to avoid car dependence.
“Coventry doesn’t have the kind of transport network that London has where you don’t need a car,” – Councillor Lindsley Harvard
The city could hardly contain its enthusiasm for moving ahead with the redevelopment project. It’s hoped locally that it could have a transformational effect on the city’s housing set up and help reinforce Spon End’s community and economic vibrancy.
