The first phase of a major regeneration scheme in the West Midlands has been given the green light.
The £450 million mixed-use City Centre South project is set to transform parts of Coventry by providing up to 1,550 homes and commercial and public space.
Consent has been granted for the first phase which will comprise 991 new homes, 86,000 sq ft of commercial space and 183,000 sq ft of public space.
The homes in phase one will range from studios to three-bedrooms, with 200 designated as affordable housing for local people, comprising 145 social housing and 55 shared ownership.
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The remaining 791 homes will be available through private market sale and rent. The homes will be split across a series of four buildings ranging in height from five to 19 storeys.
A series of public artworks, including to-scale replicas of the History of Coventry murals by artist William Mitchell, will also be added.
The development team behind the project in Hertford Street is being led by Shearer Property Regen which is a partnership between housebuilder The Hill Group and commercial specialist Shearer Property.
Andy Hill, chief executive of The Hill Group, said: "We are delighted to receive approval for the first phase of City Centre South, a key milestone in the delivery of a vibrant new neighbourhood for this historic area of Coventry.
"Working with our partner, Shearer Property Group, we will make the vision of high-quality homes in an integrated and attractive community a reality, breathing new life into the city centre and elevating Coventry as a leading location within the West Midlands."
Guy Shearer, managing director of Shearer Property Group, added: "This planning consent is the culmination of many years' work and will now unlock the delivery phase of this highly-anticipated scheme.
"City Centre South will create a vibrant new quarter for the city with an eclectic mix of the latest shops, bars, and restaurants, an exciting environment for the homes above."
Cllr Jim O'Boyle, Coventry City Council cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, said: "This is great news and another step in the right direction for the first phase of City Centre South.
"City Centres are changing and this development will create a new community in the city centre, including much-needed affordable and social homes."
