Traffic to be banned from Broadgate as part of new plans

All vehicles will be banned from Broadgate and more trees planted after a consultation into plans to regenerate parts of Coventry in time for the Olympic in 2012.



As well as Broadgate getting a new public square, local people have told planners they want more trees there and for traffic to be banned from the area.

They also want grass in the Bull Yard which would extend Greyfriars Green, and have given the thumbs up to proposals to fill in two subways.

Council leader John Mutton said he was overwhelmed by the level of interest in the scheme – which will be finished in time for the Ricoh hosting Olympic football games next summer.

“The city centre, and Broadgate in particular, are close to all our hearts and I knew we would be able to rely on local people telling us what they think.”

“I believe, thanks to the input of local people, we now have an even better plan for Broadgate. There will be at least double the amount of trees than there are now.”

“It will be traffic free which is what the majority of you told us you wanted. And we have thought long and hard about the materials to ensure that it doesn’t feel like a big grey square.”

He also confirmed the council is still deciding on the materials that will be used for the revamp there.

Councillor Mutton added: “Local people deserve a city centre they can be proud of and that’s what we want to deliver. Best of all – this isn’t just talk, it will happen and happen fast – a fantastic new square designed by local residents – the people who know and love this city best.”

The majority of the work will start in the spring but in the next few weeks trees will be replaced, holes will be dug to look at electricity cables and a review will happen into bus services.

The council says it has already had £3.5 million worth of funding for the project agreed in principle by the European Regional Development Fund.

The idea is the improvements will complement the Olympic football matches being held at the Ricoh Arena as well as the Godiva Awakes art project surrounding the games.

It’s hoped the plans will also bring extra jobs to the city.